Class-a fire-protected finger-jointed lumber products, and methods of and automated factory for producing the same

ABSTRACT

A method of producing packaged bundles of Class-A fire-protected lumber for use in wood-framed building construction. The method involved maintaining a dipping tank in a lumber factory, containing a water-based clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFPC) liquid at a depth sufficient to cover pieces of raw lumber while being treated during dip-coating operations. Untreated lumber pieces are submerged into the dipping tank, piece by piece, in an automated manner to coat all surfaces of the lumber pieces in CFIC liquid, and then removed from the dipping tank to produce pieces of Class-A fire-protected lumber having a CFIC liquid coating. The Class-A fire-protected lumber pieces are automatically wet stacked, packaged and wrapped into a packaged bundle, and allowed to dry.

RELATED CASES

The present Patent Application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 15/829,914 filed Dec. 2, 2017, commonly owned by M-Fire Suppression, Inc., and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention is directed toward improvements in building construction, and more particularly, the construction of multi-story buildings made from wood, lumber and wood-based products, offering improved defense against the ravaging and destructive forces of fire.

Brief Description of The State of Knowledge in The Art

Wood-framed construction offers a number of benefits for multi-residential and mixed-use projects. It allows developers to create high-density, high-quality housing that's also cost effective, with the added advantages of a shorter construction schedule and lighter carbon footprint. The detailing of mid-rise wood buildings plays a significant role in the ability to manage investment costs per unit and best use the lot configuration. Implementing a well-considered structural design requires understanding and coordination of several architectural design principles, such as fire/life safety, acoustics, building envelope and constructability.

Today, multi-story raw light wood-framed buildings under construction are burning down across the United States and Canada causing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage and disrupting the lives of thousands of people.

For example, in January 2017, in Maplewood, N.J., a nearly completed, four-story 235-unit apartment complex caught fire. The massive six-alarm fire required 120 fire fighters from two dozen fire companies to extinguish the fire before it got to the completed section.

In March 2017, in downtown Raleigh, Carolina, a seven story apartment building under construction caught fire. The five alarm fire was the largest fire the City has seen in 100 years and caused $12 million dollars in damage. The fire also damaged 10 nearby buildings, five of which were damaged severely.

In March 2017, in Overland Park, Kans., a four-story Apartment building under construction caught fire from a welder's torch. This was a massive eight-alarm fire which also caught 22 large homes in the neighborhood on fire.

In April 2017, in College Park, Md. a nearly completed, four story apartment building caught fire. The five alarm fire caused $39 million damage. The fire forced the closure of the nearby University of Maryland and the evacuation of a Senior Center and 200 firefighters were needed to contain the massive blaze.

On Dec. 8, 2014, a fire destroyed the seven-story Da Vinci Apartment complex that was under construction at the time. The massive fire also damaged nearby buildings and Interstate 110. The fire was set by arsonist, Dawud Abdulwali, who was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Prosecutors alleged he set the fire in anger over fatal police shootings of African Americans in Ferguson, Mo., and other cities. The spread of radiant heat from the fire was the primary cause of damages to nearby buildings, activating fire sprinklers and causing water damage. Great expenses were incurred by the City of Angeles due to firefighting activities necessary to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading to other properties.

These are just a few examples of where wood-framed buildings are catching on fire these days during construction, prior to sprinklers and drywall being installed in place and made active to protect the wood. Construction fires most frequently occur in buildings constructed without fire treated lumber, and the buildings which use fire treated lumber, only use it on the exterior walls, where such fire treated lumber offers little or no help on burning buildings.

In general, the definition of light wood frame construction is where the roof and floor trusses are made out of 2×4 or 2×6 lumber and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) sheathing as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and engineered wood products or components (EWPs) such as I-joists as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Building with these components requires builders to make best efforts to protect such components and assemblies made therefrom during construction, using full time security guards, and in some cases, temporary sprinkler systems. Today's OSB sheathing and EWPs ignite very fast and advance and spread beyond what fireman can contain by the time they arrive on site at the fire.

While environmentally-safe fire inhibitors are available to coat such OSB sheathing and EWPs, to contain the fire before it progresses to the critical stage, allowing fireman to put out the ignition source. However, as in many industries, the problem is that building and developing is a very competitive industry and developers are reluctant to add to their costs unless they are required to make their buildings safe to build and safer to live in. A similar example is the automobile industry where seat belts were non-existant or optional until Congress mandated minimum federal standards in 1963, and in 1966 finally passed the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This federal law formally established Federal Motor Vehicle Saftey Standards (“FMVSS”) providing minimum legally acceptable requirements for the manufacturing of vehicle components, including seat belts and seat belt buckles. This legislation also made the installation of seat belts mandatory by U.S. automakers.

Wood framed buildings are most vulnerable to fire during the framing stage of building construction—before sprinklers, firewalls or gypsum board linings are installed to protect the structure. There are many activities during construction that can cause a fire to start. Construction activities are a major cause of fire, but so is arson which seems to be on the rise across the USA.

There is a commonality in all the recent catastrophic fires in mid-rise multi-story apartment buildings 1A, 1B and 2, as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2. All of these recent catastrophic fires used lighter roof and floor trusses or I joists and sheathed with OSB, instead of plywood, and when they caught fire, the rapid advance of the fire was beyond what could be controlled with water as a fire extinguishing agent. It will be helpful at this stage to review building codes allowed in such wood-framed multi-story apartment buildings 2, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The International Building Code allows for five types of construction:

Type I & II: Where all building elements are made of non-combustible materials.

Type III: Where exterior walls are made of non-combustible materials, and the interior building elements are always raw lumber 3 as shown in FIG. 4, and permitted by the code.

Type IV: H.T. (Heavy Timber) Where exterior walls are made of non-combustible materials, and the interior building elements are made of solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces.

Type V: Structural elements, exterior and interior walls are made of any raw materials permitted by the code.

A. Fire-resistance rated construction.

B. Non-fire-resistance rated construction.

In the view the current International Building Code, clearly there is a major design flaw in the structural components and sheathing innovations introduced in the early 1980's, and now used to build high-density structures that are burning down in record numbers.

Since the boom after World War 2, the U.S. Government began limiting the cutting of old growth forests as they were being over harvested. Since then, US reforestration programs have been working very well, and the US has reforested millions of acres. Big saw mills and lumber producers were able to foresee having trouble keeping up with the forecasted housing starts, and that there was a big difference in reforested lumber in bending values and the ⅓ less veneers the juvenile lumber produces. This fact created opportunity for a number of much-needed wood construction products, namely: light-weight floors trusses as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C and roof trusses in FIG. 9 constructed typically using untreated lumber shown in FIG. 4 and metal (truss) connector plates shown in FIGS. 7B, 8A and 8B; OSB sheathing shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B; I-Joists shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B; and other engineered wood products (EWPs).

While all of these wood products are great innovations and are needed to support housing starts, the big problem is that such wood products have serious design flaws when it comes to fire-protection, because (i) they ignite faster than old growth lumber, and (ii) the advance of fire is so rapid with these wood product that they have changed how our firemen handle fire rescue missions because roofs and floors collapse so fast building such fires fueled by these wood products.

Raw untreated oriented strand board (OSB) 4 as illustrated in FIG. 5A and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,679 has had an enormous impact on the building industry in many ways. OSB is a wood-based construction sheathing product comprised of wood strands that are sliced from logs, dried, mixed with relatively small quantities of wax and resin, typically less than 3.5% by total weight, formed in mats with the orientation of the wood strands controlled in the length and width directions. The mats of wood strands are then pressed together under heat and pressure, and thermosetting polymeric bonds are created, binding together the adhesive and wood strands to achieve rigid, structural grade panels. It is during this pressing and consolidation process that the wood is compressed by a factor of 1.35 to 1.70 times its original density. The final panels are dry when made. When used in construction, they will often take on moisture from ambient air and/or precipitation, thus exerting swelling forces on the panel as it attempts to regain its natural form and density.

Research confirms that lightweight wood-framed buildings sheathed with OSB material ignite easier and burn faster, and lightweight trusses and I-joists collapse much faster than like building assemblies once constructed from old growth solid lumber. The fire performance characteristic of conventional building components as shown in the test data tables from a UL Report dated 8 Sep. 2008, set forth in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11. The introduction of engineered wood products (EWPs) such as I-joists 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D and 7 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, metal plate connected roof and floor trusses 8, 11, 13 shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 9, and OSB sheathing 4 shown in FIG. 5A, are to blame for these buildings burning during construction. These fires are attacking the sustainable aspect of our renewable timber resources used for housing.

Since the 1980's, engineered wood products (EWPs) such as floor trusses and I-joists have been increasing in market share over solid timber joists in floors and roofs. These innovations were needed because open-concept planned houses required building products that could span longer. In addition, it was found that new-growth timber was not as strong as the old growth timber, especially in terms of bending strength. The need was great and all these new innovations satisfied the need and took market share. However, the fire problem increased, and in Chicago, firemen lost their lives in floor collapses.

The major design flaw in engineered wood products only started to be challenged in the mid-to-late 1990's, prompting, the two largest producers of OSB and I-joists, such as Lousiana & Pacific (LP), to introduce fire-rated products, such as its fire-rated FlameBlock(R) OSB 5 shown in FIG. 5B and FlameBlock(R) I-Joist 7 shown in FIG. 6B, to provide fire-rated OSB shealthing and fire-rated I-joists that help combat fire which challenges safefy. LP's FlameBlock(R) wood products use fire retardant coatings based on magnesium compounds which were originally disclosed by Harold Ellis in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,572,862 and 5,130,184, incorporated herein by reference. A review of such product innovations should help illustrate both the advantages and drawbacks which fire retardant treated product provide.

Numerous manufacturers offer fire-retardant lumber products based on intumescent coatings, many similar to that used in LP's FlameBlock(R) wood products. One example is PKShield™ intumescent-coated wood products by Pinkwood, Ltd., of Calgary, AB Canada. http://www.pinkwood.ca/pkshield-us/

The advantages of PHShield™ is to delay the ignition of fire, and reduce the spread of fire. When wood coated with PKShield™ intumescent coating is exposed to flame, the coating begins to expand and forms a protective barrier between the ignition source and the wood. This barrier delays the time it takes for wood to actually ignite and sustain a flame compared to uncoated lumber. Should a fire occur, wood coated with PKShield™ intumescent coating slows the spread of flame to offer additional time for occupants to escape the building and firemen to combat the fire.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the web portion of a conventional untreated I-joist 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D is made from ⅜″ thick (OSB) sheathing. In a fire, the OSB web portion will burn through in less than 6 minutes, which is approximately how long it takes for a fire department to arrive on the scene of a fire not be set up to defend. Once the web is burned away, an OSB I-joist has completely lost its load carrying capability. While the I-joist flange appears intact (as this part takes longer to burn through), the web portion is burned away, and from above the floor would appear to be intact. Firefighters arriving on scene would not expect that the floor doesn't have any structural strength as they are familiar with solid sawn 2×10 floor joists which take approximately 14 minutes to burn to failure. If a firefighter were to stand on the I-joist floor after six minutes or so burning, they are in danger of falling through the floor and being burned to death in the basement of the building. As shown in FIG. 6B, the white-colored Pyrotite (R) coated web portion of the LP's FlameBlock (R) I-Joist 7 offers an improved fire rating over the untreated conventional I-joist design 6A-6D shown in FIG. 6A.

As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 9, most conventional top chord bearing floor and roof trusses 8 and 13 are built with 2×4 and 2×6 lumber sections which are connected together using punched metal connector plates 10, often having integrated teeth or nail spikes 10B projecting from its mounting plate 10A, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Typically, the teeth of the metal connector plates 10 are pressed into the lumber sections of the truss structure during manufacturing, so as to secure connect them together to form a very strong and light-weight truss structure. It is important to note here that these trusses were required to replace the depleting volume of old growth lumber of suitable length that could meet the spans of modern wood-framed buildings under construction. The design flaw with conventional wood-framed truss structures and assemblies 8 and 13 is that, in a fire, the short teeth 10A projecting from the metal truss plates 10 release from the lumber sections 9A and 9B as the lumber burns, as illustrated in FIG. 15. This failure results in the quick collapse of floor and roof stuctures constructed using such conventional building construction components.

During the ten years that these innovations have been taking hold of the building industry, fireman have been losing their lives in wood-framed building fires because they were not accustomed to the floors and the roofs collapsing so fast due to the fire burning characteristics of modern engineered wood products (EWPs) used to construct the floor and truss structures used in these buildings. Today, fireman are being better trained to assess such building structures before they run into a burning building on fire, but still are exposed to such risks posed by these conventional building technologies.

Perhaps one of the biggest problems in today's wood-framed buildings is related to the fact that OSB material fuels fire consumption in unprecented ways. As old growth timber was becoming more difficult to cut due to environmental issues and concerns, the price of old growth logs went up, causing the veneers used to make plywood to beome more expensive than the small thin trees chopped down to make OSB. Consequently, due to its lower price advantage, OSB sheathing took over the building industry in production housing, despite its hidden fire design flaw.

The hidden, inconvenient truth behind wood-framed structures is that old homes built with solid lumber floor joists and roof rafters, sheathed with either 1×6 or plywood, is less vulnerable than today's light-weight wood products. This is a major issue for the fire fighting community and they have not been silent about it. The National Fire-protection Agency published an article in July 2009 issue of NFPA Journal, on the Dangers of Lightweight Construction, discussing the results of two studies and detailing the relationship between fire and engineered wood construction assemblies—notably, that they burn quicker and fail faster than their solid dimensional lumber counterparts.

In September of 2008, the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) championed a study by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) entitled “Structural Stability of Engineered Lumber in Fire Conditions” (Project Number: 07CA42520). Summaries of Test Samples and Results (ASTM E119) are set forth in FIGS. 10A and 10B, summarizing the fire testing of floor and roof systems that were unprotected and protected with a layer of ½″ gypsum board. The results confirmed what the fire fighters were reporting in the field, that I-joists and floor trusses burned faster than solid 2×10's.

In December of 2008, National Research Council of Canada (NRC) conducted similar testing and published a report with similar results to the UL report. An excerpt from the NRC Report reads as follows: “It must be pointed out that the times to reach structural failure for the wood I-joist, steel C-joist, metal plate and metal web wood truss assemblies were 35-60% shorter than that for the solid wood joist assembly resulting in smaller time difference between the onset of untenable conditions and structural failure of these engineered floor assemblies.” Table 8 from the December 2008 NRC Report is set forth in FIG. 11 for convenience, summarizing the time of failure (t_(f)) of various unprotected floor assemblies tested.

The above identified studies by UL and the NRC, and numerous complaints from fire fighters, have resulted in changes to the International Residential Code in 2012, under section R501.3. While there are many special interest groups urging lawmakers to introduce legislation to mandate the use of concrete and steel for mid-rise construction, such measures would significantly (i) increase building cost, (ii) lengthen construction schedules, and (iii) decrease affordability at a time when the need to increase affordability is very great.

In general, economic cost has stalled the advance of defending more of the lumber in buildings. Some wood frame buildings call for the use of Fire Retardant Treated Lumber (FRT) which is covered under Clause 2303.2 of the 2015 International Building Code as follows: “Fire Retardant Treated lumber is any wood product which, when impregnated with chemicals by a process or other means during manufacture, shall have, when tested in accordance with ASTM E-84 or UL 723, a listed flame spread index of 25 or less and show no evidence of significant progressive combustion when the test is continued for an additional 20-minute period. Additionally, the flame front shall not progress more than 10½ feet (3200 mm) beyond the centerline of the burners at any time during the test.”

Under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Building Code (IBC) specifications, tested fire-treated wood products shall receive a Class-A fire-protection rating provided that Flame Spread index measures in the range of 0 through 25, and Smoke Developed index measure in the range of less than or equal to 450. Tested fire-treated wood products shall receive a Class-B fire-protection provided that Flame Spread index measures in the range of 26 through 75, and Smoke Developed index measure in the range of less than or equal to 450. Also, tested fire-treated wood products shall receive a Class-C fire-protection provided that Flame Spread index measure in the range of 76 through 200, and Smoke Developed index also measure in the range of less than or equal to 450.

A major problem associated with the use of pressure-treated fire retardant treated (FRT) lumber is that the use of FRT chemicals during pressure-treatment lowers the PH of the wood, which results in acid hydrolysis, also known as acid catalyzed dehydration. This pressure-based process of fire retardant treatment attacks the fiber of the wood, causing it to become brittle and lose its strength. Significant losses in the modulus of elasticity (MOE), a measure of stiffness, the modulus of rupture (MOR), a measure of bending strength, and impact resistance, a measure of strength, can occur during the pressure-treatment process. These modes of failure include heavy checking parallel and perpendicular to the grain, splitting, and full cross grain breaks. Eventually the degradation continues to the point that the wood becomes so weak and brittle that it actually snaps under normal loading conditions. This process is insidious in that it is progressive, and latent.

There are many products on the market that are acceptable alternative products and can replace FRT lumber by means other than pressure impregnating. Such products include commercially available fire retardant and fire inhibitor products that work very well at stalling a fire's ignition, and are less than half the cost of trying to fire treat 100% of lumber and sheathing with the old, traditional pressure-impregnated fire retardants. These alternative fire inhibiting chemical products, even though not pressure-permeated or similarly processed, still perform to the level required by the code and can be used interchangeably with the FRT lumber or by themselves.

Examples of prior art fire-treated wood produced using non-pressure-treated methods include ECO RED SHIELD FT™ fire treated lumber by Eco Building Products, Inc. of San Diego, Calif. In 2014, ECO RED SHIELD FT™ fire treated lumber was produced using Eco Building Product's fire inhibitor formulated using a mixture of chemicals including liquid polymer, PW40 biocide, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) for termites, and Hartindo AF21 total fire inhibitor from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri of Jakarta, Indonesia. It was later discovered that these chemical components interacted chemically in an undesired manner, to significantly reduce the fire-inhibiting performance of Hartindo AF21 fire inhibitor when used to treat to wood products.

Then, in 2016, Eco Building Product's changed its formula for ECO RED SHIELD FT™ fire treated lumber, and began using Eco Building Product's proprietary Eco AFL™ fire inhibitors, specifically its FRC12™ fire retarding chemical formulation, and wood surface film concentrate formulation (WSFC).

Eco Building Product's wood surface film concentrate formulations, and methods of preserving wood and inhibiting the emission of naturally occuring formaldehyde, are disclosed in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/238,463 entitled “Formulation and Method for Preserving Wood” filed on Nov. 4, 2016. Eco Building Product's fire retarding formulation and methods are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/238,463 entitled “Fire Inhibitor Formulation” filed on Aug. 16, 2016. Both of these US Patent Applications are incorporated herein by reference.

There is another factor at work influencing high-density builders to defend all wood used on new building construction, and that is whether or not the builder has lost a building to fire. If so, then the primary option of such high-density builders is to demand their liability insurance providers to either reduce or not increase their insurance if they defend 100% of the lumber on new wood-framed building construction. If high-density builders and insurance companies work together, then there is a high likelihood that building codes will begin to adopt these new less expensive ways of defending lumber from fire, to the benefit of everyone.

A major problem with the current building code, and the way large, lightweight, wood-framed, multi-story buildings are designed, is that typically only the exterior walls require or specify the use of FRT lumber. This is illustrated in the wood bearing wall schedule and architectural plans set forth in FIGS. 11 and 12. As shown in FIG. 12, the architectural specification 14 provides a schedule where load-bearing walls made from FRT lumber are required. As shown in the architectural specification 15 in FIG. 13, only the exterior walls 16 are specified as FRT lumber. However, as experience has shown the world over, a fire can easily start on the untreated wood in the interior of a wood-framed building, and quickly spread to burn down the entire building structure, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. As illustrated in the video footage of the Houston Apartment Fire on Mar. 25, 2014, the exterior walls made from FRT lumber can do a good job resisting the fire, but can only do so up to a certain point, and when the interior support is gone, the exterior FRT lumber walls fall as a unit, which is very hazardous to fire fighters.

Other factors operate allowing the industry to continue building high-density buildings with raw untreated lumber. For example, many building departments are relying on building permit revenue from such high-density buildings, and they are reluctant to encourage builders to move to other regions. Therefore, they allow them to rebuild high-density type construction, even after a fire in a building that was built with untreated lumber.

In effort to prevent total fire destruction of wood-framed buildings, it is helpful if not essential to understand the nature of the fire cycle before understanding how flame retardants, inhibitors and extinguishers work to suppress and extinguish fires.

In FIG. 16, the fire cycle 17 is graphically illustrated as having the following four essential components: (i) ignition source (e.g., heat, incandescent material, a small flame); (ii) fuel material (e.g., wood, wax, fuel, etc.); (iii) oxygen; and (iv) the free radicals (H+, OH−, O−) 18 associated with the process of combustion.

In general, the ignition source can be any energy source (e.g. heat, incandescent material, a small flame, a spark, etc.). The function of the ignition source is to start the material to burn and decompose (pyrolysis), releasing flammable gases. If solid materials in the ignition source do not break down into gases, they remain in a condensed phase. During this condensed phase, the material will slowly smolder and, often, self-extinguish, especially if the material beings to “char,” meaning that the material creates a carbonated barrier between the flame and the underlying material.

In the gas phase, flammable gases released from the burning and decomposing material are mixed with oxygen, which is supplied from the ambient air. In the combustion zone, or the burning phase, fuel, oxygen and free radicals (i.e. H+, OH−, O−) 18 combine to create chemical reactions that produce visible flames to appear. The fire then becomes self-sustaining because, as it continues to burn the material, more flammable gases are released, feeding the combustion process.

In general, flame retardants, or fire inhabitants, act in three ways to stop the burning process, and consequently, can be classified by how these agents work to stop a burning flame. These three methods of flame retardation/inhibition/extinguishing are described below:

(i) Disrupting the combustion stage of a fire cycle, including avoiding or delaying “flashover,” or the burst of flames that engulfs a room and makes it much more difficult to escape;

(ii) Limiting the process of decomposition by physically insulating the available fuel sources from the material source with a fire-resisting “char” layer; and

(iii) Diluting the flammable gases and oxygen concentrations in the flame formation zone by emitting water, nitrogen or other inert gases.

One highly effective family of prior art clean fire inhibiting chemicals (CFIC) has been supplied by PT. Hartindo Chemicatamata Industri of Jakarta, Indonesia (a/k/a Hartindo Anti Fire Chemicals) for many years now, and used by many around the world in diverse anti-fire applications. Current chemical formulations marketed by Hartindo under AF11, AF21 and AF31 product designations, disrupt the combustion stage of the fire cycle by combining with the free radicals (H+, OH−, O−) that are produced during combustion.

Most prior art intumescent coatings, whether applied as paint or coatings on engineered wood products (EWPs), work differently from Hartindo's fire inhibiting chemicals, in that such intumescent coatings form a char layer when heated acting as an insulating layer to the substrate of fuel source, to prevent the fuel source from burning. Prior art Pyrotite® magnesium-based cementitious coatings, as used in LP's FlameBlock® fire-rated OSB sheathing (i.e. sheeting) shown in FIG. 5B, FlameBlock® I-Joists shown in FIG. 6B, and other FlameBlock(R) EWPs, release water when exposed to the heat of a fire, and thereby dilute the flammable gases and oxygen concentrations in the flame formation zone.

Clearly, there is a great and growing demand for better, higher performance, fire-rated building products for use in wood-framed buildings in the single-family, multi-family and light commercial construction markets. Also, there is a great need for ways of designing and constructing high-density multi-story wood-framed buildings so that such wood-framed building demonstrate improved defense and protection against total fire destruction, while overcoming the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art methods and apparatus.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Accordingly, a primary object of the present is to provide new and improved method of and system for designing and constructing high-density multi-story wood-framed buildings so that such wood-framed building demonstrates Class-A fire-protection and defense against total fire destruction, while overcoming the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art methods and apparatus.

Another object of the present is to provide higher performance fire-rated building products for use in wood-framed buildings for single-family, multi-family, multi-story, as well as light commercial construction markets.

Another object of the present is to provide a novel system and method that addresses the epidemic of mid-rise building-under-construction fires across the United States, where the media, lobbyists and politicians are blaming wood-framed construction, arson, and job site accidents as the main causes of such building fires.

Another object of the present is to provide a novel method of mitigating the risk of mid-rise building-under-construction fires caused during the framing stage, when wood-framed buildings are most vulnerable to fire, because are such buildings are constructed using small section lumber (2×4 and 2×6), trusses, and OSB sheathing, and fire fighters cannot get to the scene of such fires fast enough to extinguish the fire, and once they do, they can only minimize the damage to the surrounding structures, and consequently, the damage caused is catastrophic and the disruption to people's lives and surrounding businesses is tragic.

Another object of the present is to provide a novel method of designing and constructing multi-story wood-framed buildings so that such wood-framed buildings demonstrate Class-A fire-protection and resistance against total fire destruction.

Another object of the present is to provide a new and improved Class-A fire-protected oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing comprising a core medium layer made of wood pump, binder and/or adhesive materials, a pair of OSB layers bonded to the core medium layer, a clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) coatings deposited on the surface of each OSB layer and sides of the core medium layer, made from clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid solution applied to the surfaces by dipping the OSB sheathing into CFIC liquid in a dipping tank, allowing shallow surface absorption or impregnation into the OSB layers and ends of the core medium layer at atmospheric pressure, and thereafter, spraying a moisture, fire and UV radiation protection coating sprayed over the CFIC coating.

Another object of the present is to provide a Class-A fire-protected floor truss structure for installation in a wood-framed building housing one or more occupants, comprising: a set of lumber pieces treated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid to provide each the lumber piece with a Class-A fire-suppression rating; and a set of heat-resistant metal truss connector plates for connecting the treated pieces of lumber together to form the fire-protected floor truss structure; wherein each the heat-resistant metal truss connector plate is provided with a heat-resistant chemical coating deposited before the metal truss connector plate is used in constructing the fire-protected floor truss structure; and wherein the heat-resistant chemical coating provides significant reduction in heat transfer across the heat-resistant metal truss connector plate so as to significantly reduce (i) charring of wood behind the heat-resistant metal truss connector plate in the presence of a fire in the building, (ii) disconnection of the treated lumber pieces from the heat-resistant metal truss connector plate, and (iii) the risk of the fire-protected floor truss structure failing during fire in the wood-framed building, and any putting at risk, any of the occupants and any firemen trying to rescue the occupants and/or extinguish the fire in the wood-framed building.

Another object of the present is to provide a Class-A fire-protected floor joist structure for installation in a wood-framed building housing one or more occupants, comprising: a floor joist made from lumber treated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid to provide the joist with a Class-A fire-suppression rating; and a set of heat-resistant metal joist hangers for hanging the treated joist in the wood-framed building to form the fire-protected floor joist structure; wherein each the heat-resistant metal joist hanger is provided with a heat-resistant chemical coating deposited before the metal joist hanger is used in constructing the fire-protected floor joist structure; and wherein the heat-resistant chemical coating provides significant reduction in heat transfer across the heat-resistant metal joist hanger so as to significantly reduce (i) charring of wood behind the heat-resistant metal joist hanger in the presence of a fire in the building, (ii) disconnection of the joist from the heat-resistant metal joist hanger or lumber to which the heat-resistant metal joist hanger is connected, and (iii) the risk of the fire-protected floor joist structure failing during fire in the wood-framed building, and any putting at risk, any of the occupants and any firemen trying to rescue the occupants and/or extinguish the fire in the wood-framed building.

Another object of the present is to provide a factory for making Class-A fire-protected joist structures comprising: a first stage for dipping untreated lumber components in a dipping tank filled with clean fire inhibiting chemicals (CFIC) liquid to coat the untreated lumber components with liquid CFIC coating and form a Class-A fire treated lumber components; a second stage for spraying metal joist hangers with heat-resistant chemical liquid to produce metal hanger joists having a heat-resistant coating; and a third stage for assembling the Class-A fire-protected lumber components together using the heat-resistant metal joist plates so as to produce Class-A fire-protected joist structures.

Another object of the present is to provide a method of producing a Class-A fire-protected joist structure, comprising the steps: (a) producing a supply of water-based clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid; (b) filling a dipping tank with the supply of the water-based CFPC liquid; (c) filling a reservoir tank connected to a liquid spraying system with a quantity of heat-resistant chemical liquid; (d) dipping untreated joist lumber beams into the dipping tank so as to apply a coating of CFIC liquid over all the surfaces of each joist lumber beam and allowing the CFIC-coated joist lumber beam to dry so as to produce a Class-A fire-protected joist lumber beam; (e) using the liquid spraying system to coat metal joist hangers with heat-resistant chemical liquid in the reservoir tank, so as to produce heat-resistant metal joist hangers having a heat-resistant chemical coating, for use with the Class-A fire-protected joist lumber beams; (f) stacking and packaging one or more Class-A fire-protected joist lumber beams together into a bundle, using banding or other fasteners, and with the heat-resistant metal joist hangers, shipping the bundle and heat-resistant metal joist hangers to a destination site for use in construction of a wood-framed building; and (g) assembling the Class-A fire-protected joist lumber beams using the heat-resistant metal joist hangers so as to make a Class-A fire-protected joist structure in the wood-framed building.

Another object of the present is to provide a method of producing Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber from an automated factory having a production line with a plurality of stages, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a reservoir tank containing a supply of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid that is supplied to a dipping tank deployed in an in-line high-speed CFIC liquid dip-coating stage installed between (i) a lumber planing/dimensioning stage supplied by a finger-jointing stage, and (ii) an automated stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding stage installed at the end of the production line; (b) continuously loading a supply of untreated short-length lumber onto a multi-staged conveyor-chain transport mechanism installed along and between the stages of the production line; (c) loading the untreated short-length lumber into a controlled-drying stage so to produce suitably dried short-length lumber for supply to the finger-jointing stage; (d) continuously supplying controllably-dried short-length lumber into the finger-jointing stage for producing pieces of extended-length finger-jointed lumber in a highly-automated manner; (e) automatically transporting produced pieces of extended-length finger-jointed lumber into the planing/dimensioning stage, so that the finger-jointed lumber is planed/dimensioned into pieces of dimensioned finger-jointed lumber, and outputted onto the multi-stage chain-driven conveyor mechanism; (f) continuously transporting and submerging the dimensioned extended length finger-jointed lumber pieces through a dipping tank for sufficient coating in CFIC liquid, while being transported on the conveyor-chain transport mechanism; (g) continuously removing the wet dip-coated pieces of dimensioned finger-jointed lumber from the dipping tank, and automatically wet-stacking, packing, banding and wrapping the dip-coated pieces together to produce a packaged bundle of fire-protected finger-jointed lumber while the CFIC liquid coating on the dip-coated pieces of dimensioned finger-jointed lumber is still wet; (h) removing the packaged bundle of fire-protected finger-jointed lumber from the stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding stage, and storing in a storage location and allowed to dry; and (i) painting the ends of each stacked and packaged bundle of fire-protected finger-jointed lumber, using a paint containing clean fire-inhibited chemicals (CFIC), and applying trademarks and/or logos to the packaged bundle of Class-A fire-treated finger-jointed lumber.

Another object of the present is to provide an automated lumber production factory comprising: a production line supporting a finger-jointing stage, a planing and dimensioning stage, a clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) dip-coating stage, and a stacking, packaging and wrapping stage, arranged in the order; wherein the production line supports an automated production process including the steps of: (a) continuously fabricating finger-jointed lumber pieces at the finger-jointing stage; (b) planing and dimensioning the finger-jointed lumber pieces at the planing and dimensioning stage; (c) after being planed and dimensioned, automatically conveying the finger-jointed lumber pieces from the planing and dimensioning stage to the CFIC dip-coating stage in a high-speed manner; (d) dip-coating the finger-jointed lumber pieces in a supply of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid contained in a dipping tank maintained at the CFIC dip-coating stage, so as to produce Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces; and (e) stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding a bundle of the Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces.

Another object of the present is to provide such an automated lumber production factory, wherein each finger-jointed lumber piece is a finger-jointed lumber stud, and each bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces is a bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber studs for use in wood-framed building construction.

Another object of the present is to provide a novel in-line CFIC-liquid dip-coating and spray-coating stage/subsystem for installation along a lumber production line in an automated lumber factory, for the rapid formation of a surface coating or surface film on the surface of each piece of LVL product dipped into a reservoir of CFIC liquid, and then over-coated with a protective coating providing protection to moisture, UV radiation from the sun, and added fire-inhibition.

Another object of the present is to provide an automated factory system for producing Class-A fire-protected laminated veneer lumber (LVL) products in a high volume manner comprising: a stage for continuously delivering clipped veneer to the front of the LVL production line; a veneer drying stage for receiving veneers from the supply and drying to reach a target moisture content; a conveyor for conveying the components and LVL products along subsequent stages of the production line; an automated veneer grading stage for automatically structurally and visually grading veneers; a veneer scarfing stage for scarfing veneer edges to a uniform thickness at the joints between veneers, during the subsequent laying-up stage and process; an adhesive application stage for applying adhesive to the veneers; a lay-up stage for lifting veneers onto the processing line, and stacking and skew aligning the veneers with adhesive coating until they are laid up into a veneer mat; a pre-pressing stage for pressing the veneer mat together; a hot-pressing and curing stage for continuous hot pressing the veneer mat; a cross-cutting and rip sawing stage for cross-cutting and rip sawing the veneer mat into LVL products (e.g. studs, beams, rim boards and other dimensioned LVL products); a print-marking system for marking each piece of LVL product with a logo and grade for clear visual identification; a CFIC liquid dip-coating stage having a dipping reservoir through which the chain-driven conveyor transports LVL product into the dipping reservoir and along its length while submerged under CFIC liquid during dip-coating operations, to form a CFIC coating on the surfaces of the LVL product, and removing the CFIC-coated LVL product from the dipping reservoir and wet-stacking and allow to dry; spray-coating a protective-coating over the surface of the dried dip-coated LVL product, and transporting the LVL product to the next stage along the production line; and a packaging and wrapping stage for stacking, packaging and wrapping the spray-coated/dip-coated LVL product.

Another object of the present is to provide such a new lumber factory supporting an automated laminated veneer lumber (LVL) process comprising the steps of: (a) installing and operating a lumber production line employing a controlled drying stage, a veneer grading stage, a veneer scarfing stage, a veneer laying-up stage, a veneer laying-up stage, a pre-pressing stage, a hot-pressing and curing stage, a cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage, an automated in-line dip-coating and spray-coating stage, a print-marking and paint spraying stage, and an automated packaging and wrapping stage, installed along the lumber production line in named order; (b) continuously providing a supply clipped veneers onto a conveyor installed along the lumber production line; (c) continuously providing the veneers to the controlled drying stage so to produce suitably dried veneers for supply to the veneer grading stage; (d) scarfing dried veneers at the veneer scarfing stage to prepare for the veneer laying-up stage where the leading and trailing edges of each sheet of veneer are scarfed to provide a flush joint when the veneer sheets are joined together at the laying-up stage; (e) applying adhesive material to scarfed veneers prior to the veneer laying-up stage; (f) vacuum lifting veneers onto the processing line and stacked and skew aligned with adhesive coating until the veneers are laid up into a veneer mat of a predetermined number of veneer layers; (g) pressing together the veneer mat at the pre-pressing stage; (h) hot pressing the veneer mat in a hot-pressing/curing machine to produce an LVL mat at the hot-pressing and curing stage; (i) cross-cutting and rip-sawing the produced LVL mat into LVL products (e.g. studs, beams, rim boards and other dimensioned LVL products) at the cross-cutting and rip sawing stage; (j) marking each piece of LVL product with a branded logo and grade for clear visual identification at the print-marking and paint spraying stage; (k) continuously transporting and submerging the cross-cut/rip-sawed LVL product through a dipping reservoir containing clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, at the dip-coating stage and then wet stacking and allowed to dry; (l) continuously spray-coating the dip-coated LVL products with a protective coating at a spray-coating stage to produce Class-A fire-protected LVL products on the production line; and (m) stacking, packaging and wrapping the Class-A fire-protected LVL product at the stacking, packaging and wrapping stage.

Another object of the present is to provide new and improved Class-A fire-protected oriented strand board (OSB) sheeting, spray-coated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid.

Another object of the present is to provide new and improved Class-A fire-protected oriented strand board (OSB) Hoist spray-coated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid.

Another object of the present is to provide a new and improved fire-protected lumber roof trusses spray-coated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid.

Another object of the present is to provide new improved fire-protected lumber top chord bearing floor truss (TCBT) structure, spray-coated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid.

Another object of the present is to provide a new and improved fire-protected lumber floor joist structure, spray-coated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved on-job-site method of spray treating wood, lumber, and engineered wood products (EWPs) with clean water-based fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) that cling to the raw lumber and EPWs and acts as a flame retardant, preservative and water repellent, while improving the building's defense against both accidental fire and arson attack, and reducing the risk of fire to neighboring buildings should a fire occur in a wood frame building under construction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide new and improved engineered wood products (EWP) using clean fire suppression technologies to protect lumber and sheathing, without the shortcomings and drawbacks associated with pressure treatment methods which are well known to destroy wood fibers, and lower the strength and performance of such wood products.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved system for defending high-density multi-story wood-framed buildings from fire during the design and construction phase, so that the risks of wood-framed building burning down due to fire during construction is substantially mitigated to the benefit of all parties.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of protecting and defending multi-story wood-framed buildings from fire by chemically defending from fire, 100% of the lumber used in wood-framed buildings.

Another object of the present invention is provide a new and improved method of fire protecting multi-story wood-framed buildings from fire, by spraying coating, on the job site, before gypsum and wall board is installed over the framing, a clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid over all exposed surfaces of all lumber and wood products used in the construction of the building, with that treats the raw lumber to become Class-A fire-protected.

Another object of the present is to provide a new and improved method of protecting wood-framed buildings from interior fires by spraying all exposed wood surfaces with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid so as to achieve A-Class fire-protection throughout the entire wood-framed building.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel system and method of protecting multi-story wood-framed buildings against fire, when such structures are most vulnerable during the construction stage, involving the spraying of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid over all interior surfaces of a wood-framed building being treated, including raw untreated lumber, EWPs, OSB sheathing, plywood, composite boards, structural composite lumber and other materials, and tracking and certifying that each completed section of the wood-framed building was properly spray coated with the environmentally clean fire inhibiting chemical, and has achieved Class-A fire-protection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of spray treating all surfaces of new raw/untreated and treated lumber and sheathing used to construct wood-framed multi-story buildings, using clean fire inhibiting chemical s (CFIC) that cling to the surface of wood during spray application and inhibit the start or ignition of a fire as well as fire progression and flame spread, wherein the fire inhibitor can be sprayed using a back-pack sprayer, or floor-supported pump sprayer system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of spray treating all surfaces of lumber and sheathing used to construct wood-framed multi-story buildings, during framing and sheathing operations, floor by floor, with minor impact to the construction schedule, while minimizing the builder's risk of fire, making protecting 100% of the lumber in a building affordable.

Another object of the present is to provide an on-job-site spray system for coating of clean fire inhibiting liquid chemical (CFIC) liquid all over the interior surfaces of raw and treated lumber and sheathing used in a completed section of a wood-framed assemblies in a wood-framed building during its construction phase, wherein the on-job-site spray system comprises: a liquid spray pumping subsystem including a reservoir tank for containing a supply of CFIC liquid for spray-coating and treating wood surfaces to provide Class-A fire-protection within the wood-framed building; a hand-held liquid spray gun, operably connected to the reservoir tank using a sufficient length of flexible tubing, for holding in the hand of a spray-coating technician, and spraying CFIC liquid from the reservoir tank onto the exposed interior wood surfaces of lumber and sheathing used to construct each completed section of a wood-framed building construction, so as to form a CFIC coating on the treated interior wood surfaces providing Class-A fire-protection; and a spray-certification system for visually marking and certifying the exposed interior wood surfaces of each completed section of the wood-framed building construction has been properly spray-coated to provide Class-A fire-protection within each completed section of the wood-framed building.

Another object of the present is to providing new and improved methods of and apparatus for protecting wood-framed buildings from wild fires by automatically spraying water-based environmentally clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid over the exterior surfaces of the building, surrounding ground surfaces, shrubs, decking and the like, prior to wild fires reaching such buildings.

These and other benefits and advantages to be gained by using the features of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter and in the appended Claims to Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following Objects of the Present Invention will become more fully understood when read in conjunction of the Detailed Description of the Illustrative Embodiments, and the appended Drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an elevation view of architectural drawings prepared for a conventional multi-story high-density housing wood-framed building being planned for construction;

FIG. 1B is a plan view of architectural drawings prepared for the conventional multi-story high-density housing wood-framed building illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a 3D CAD-based geometrical building model of the conventional multi-story wood-framed building illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing its multi-story wood-framed building structure, with wood sheathing being removed for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 3 is a photograph of a portion of the conventional multi-story wood-framed building of FIG. 2 under construction, with wood sheathing applied to a portion of the wood-framed building structure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a several beams of conventional untreated lumber used in constructing conventional multi-story wood-framed buildings;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a cut-away portion of a sheet of conventional untreated OSB board used in sheathing wood-framed buildings;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a cut-away portion of several sheets of conventional fire-treated OSB board used in sheathing wood-framed buildings;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a cut-away portion of several conventional untreated OSB I-Joists used in the construction of wood-framed buildings;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a cut-away portion of conventional fire-treated OSB I-Joist used in the construction of wood-framed buildings;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a several load bearing floor trusses (i.e. joints) constructed from untreated lumber connected using conventional metal truss connector plates;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a cut-away portion of one of the floor trusses in FIG. 7A, showing a pair of conventional untreated lumber beams connected together using a conventional metal truss connector plate, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a preassembled floor system, being lifted into position on a multi-story wood-framed building, and constructed from a plurality of floor truss structures constructed using untreated lumber beams connected together using conventional metal connector plates;

FIG. 8A is perspective top view of conventional metal connector plate, showing its array of nail-spikes orthogonally projecting from its support plate;

FIG. 8B is perspective bottom view of conventional metal connector plate, showing its array of nail-spikes orthogonally projecting from its support plate;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a plurality of conventional top chord load-bearing roof trusses, each being constructed from untreated lumber beams connected together using conventional metal truss connector plates, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B;

FIG. 10A is a table setting forth a summary of test samples in a conventional wood-framed building tested for fire resistance rating, flame passage, collapse time, and time of temperature rise, in the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Report dated 8 Sep. 2008 entitled “Structural Stability Of Engineered Lumber In Fire Conditions” (Project Number: 07CA42520);

FIG. 10B is a table setting forth a summary of test results (ASTM E119) of the test samples identified in the table of FIG. 10A, in the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Report dated 8 Sep. 2008 entitled “Structural Stability Of Engineered Lumber In Fire Conditions” (Project Number: 07CA42520);

FIG. 11 is table setting for time of failure of conventional unprotected floor assemblies during a wood-framed building fire with an open basement doorway, and also during a wood-framed building fire with a closed basement doorway;

FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of a wood bearing wall schedule for a conventional multi-story wood-framed building under construction, indicating that fire-treated sheathing has been specified only for outer wall structures by the building architects;

FIG. 13 is a schematic construction diagram for a conventional multi-story wood-framed building under construction, indicating in bold lines, around the perimeter of the building, that fire-treated lumber and sheathing has been specified only for outer wall structures by the building architects, consistent with the wood bearing wall schedule shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14A is a photographic representation showing a conventional multi-story wood-framed building structure ablaze during its construction phase, and ravaged by flames fueled by massive amounts of untreated lumber and OSB sheathing used to construct the same, in accordance with conventional architectural building specifications;

FIG. 14B is a photographic representation showing the conventional multi-story wood-framed building structure of FIG. 14B, completely destroyed by fire during its construction phase, with firemen continuing to apply water to cool down the destroyed site;

FIG. 15 is a photographic representation of a section of a conventional roof truss and its lumber beams and metal connection plate, both charred and weakened during an interior fire within a conventional multi-story wood-framed building;

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of the process of fire showing its four primary components and illustrating various pathways available for suppressing fire within a wood-framed building and protecting the same from total destruction by fire;

FIG. 17 is high-level flow chart describing the primary steps involved in the method of designing and constructing multi-story wood-framed buildings in accordance with the principles of the present invention so that such wood-framed building demonstrate improved fire resistance rating and protection against total fire destruction, comprising the steps of (i) during the architectural design phase of a new multi-story building, specifying fire-protected lumber, or raw untreated lumber, Class-A fire-protected OSB sheeting, Class-A fire-protected OSB Hoists, Class-A fire-protected floor trusses, Class-A fire-protected roof trusses, and Class-A fire-protection on-job-site spray coating treatment of all lumber used on a building construction site; and (ii) during the construction phase, constructing the building in accordance with the design specifications so as to provide a multi-story wood-framed building having Class-A fire-protection against total fire destruction;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber produced along the production line in the automated fire-treated lumber factory illustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an automated lumber factory supporting an automated process for continuously fabricating Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber products which, after the planning and dimensioning stage, are automatically dip-coated in a bath or reservoir of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, and then automatically packaged, stack-dried and wrapped in a high-speed and economical manner;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the high-speed CFIC dip-coating stage depicted in FIG. 19, showing the various components used to implement this subsystem along the production line of the automated lumber factory;

FIGS. 20A and 20B, taken together, set forth a flow chart describing the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces (e.g. studs or beams) in the automated fire-treated lumber factory shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A;

FIG. 21 is a schematic table representation illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of Class-A fire-protected lumber produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 20A and 20B, and tested in accordance with test standards ASTM E84 and UL 723;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a Class-A fire-protected cross-laminated-timber (CLT) product (e.g. panel, stud, beam, etc.) fabricated along the production line of the automated lumber fabrication factory shown in FIGS. 23 and 23A;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an automated lumber fabrication factory supporting an automated process for continuously fabricating cross-laminated timber (CLT) products which, after the planning and dimensioning stage, are automatically dip-coated in a bath of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, and then stacked, packaged and wrapped in a high-speed manner to produce Class-A fire-protected CLT products;

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the automatic cross-laminated timber (CLT) dip-coating stage deployed along the production line of the automated lumber fabrication factory shown in FIG. 23;

FIGS. 24A and 24B, taken together, set forth a flow chart describing the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected cross-laminated timber (CLT) products in the automated fire-treated lumber factory illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 23A;

FIG. 25 is a schematic table representation illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of Class-A fire-protected cross-laminated timber (CLT) product produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 24A and 24B, and tested in accordance with the test standards ASTM E84 and UL 723;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of Class-A fire-protected laminated veneer lumber (LVL) products, such as studs in load-bearing and non load-bearing walls as well as in long-span roof and floor beams;

FIG. 27 is schematic representation of an automated lumber factory for fabricating Class-A fire-protected laminated veneer lumber (LVL) products along a multi-stage production line;

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of the automatic laminated veneer lumber (LVL) dip-coating stage deployed along the production line of the automated lumber fabrication factory shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 27B is a perspective view of the automatic laminated veneer lumber (LVL) spray-coating tunnel stage and drying tunnel stage deployed along the production line of the automated lumber fabrication factory shown in FIG. 27;

FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C, taken together, set forth a flow chart describing the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected laminated veneer lumber (LVL) along the production line of the automated lumber factory shown in FIGS. 27, 27A and 27B;

FIG. 29 is a table setting for flame spread and smoke development characteristics of Class-A fire-protected laminated veneer lumber (LVL) products (e.g. studs, beams, panels, etc.) produced using the method of the illustrative described in FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C, and tested testing in accordance with the test standards ASTM E84 and UL 723;

FIG. 30 is a perspective of a cut-away portion of a piece of Class-A fire-protected oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing produced using the method described in FIGS. 32A, 32B and 32C in the automated factory shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a section of the Class-A fire-protected OSB sheathing shown in FIG. 30, produced in accordance with the present invention described in FIGS. 32 and 33;

FIGS. 32A, 32B and 32C, taken together, set forth a flow chart describing the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing clean Class-A fire-protected OSB sheathing in accordance with the present invention, comprising the steps of (a) in an automated lumber factory, installing and operating a Class-A fire-protected lumber production line, supporting an edge painting stage, an CFIC liquid dip coating stage, a spray coating tunnel stage and a drying tunnel, installed between the finishing stage and automated packaging and wrapping stage in the lumber factory, (b) sorting, soaking and debarking logs to prepare for the stranding stage, (c) processing the debarked logs to produce strands of wood having specific length, width and thickness, (d) collecting strands in large storage binds that allow for precise metering into the dryers, (e) drying the strands to a target moisture content and screening them to remove small particles for recycling, (f) coating the strands with resin and wax to enhance the finished panel's resistance to moisture and water absorption, (g) forming cross-directional layers of strands into strand-based mats, (h) heating and pressing the mats to consolidate the strands and cure the resins to form a rigid dense structural oriented strand board (OSB) panel, (i) trimming and cutting the structural OSB panel to size, and machining flooring and groove joints and applying edge sealants for moisture resistance, (j) applying Class-A fire-protective paint to the edges of the trimmed and cut OSB panels, (k) transporting and submerging OSB panels through the dipping tank of the dip coating stage for sufficient coating in CFIC liquid, while being transported on the conveyor-chain transport mechanism, (l) removing the wet dip-coated OSB panels from the dipping tank, and wet stacking the OSB panels in inventory for about 24 hours or so, to allow the wet CFIC liquid coating on the dipped OSB panels to penetrate into the panels and dry and produce Class-A fire-protected OSB panels, (m) loading a stack of dip-coated OSB panels to the second stage of the production line, (n) spray-coating the dip-coated OSB panels with a moisture, fire and UV protection coating that supports weather during building construction while protecting the Class-A fire protection properties of the OSB panels, (o) transporting spray-coated dipped OSB sheets through a drying tunnel, and (p) stacking, packaging and wrapping dried spray-coated/dipped OSB panels into a bundle of Class-A fire-protected OSB panels or sheets (i.e. sheathing);

FIG. 33 is a schematic representation of the automated factory configured for producing Class-A fire-protected OSB sheathing in accordance with the principles of the present invention described in FIGS. 32A, 32B and 32C;

FIG. 33A is a perspective view of the automatic OSB sheathing dip-coating stage deployed along the production line of the automated lumber fabrication factory shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 33B is a perspective view of the automatic OSB sheathing spray-coating tunnel stage and drying tunnel stage deployed along the production line of the automated lumber fabrication factory shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 34 are flame-spread rate and smoke-development indices associated with the Class-A fire-protected OSB sheathing of the present invention produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 32A, 32B and 32C, and tested in accordance with the test standard ASTM E2768-11;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing (floor) truss (TCBT) constructed in accordance with the method described in FIG. 36 in the automated factory illustrated in FIG. 37, using Class-A fire-protected lumber sections connected together using heat-resistant coated metal truss connector plates, indicating a 50% reduction in heat transfer during ASTM E119 Testing, which reduces wood charring behind the connector plates and prevented truss failure in the presence of fire;

FIG. 36 is a flow chart describing the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing floor trusses (TCBT) in accordance with the present invention, comprising the steps of (i) procuring a water-based clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, (b) filling a dipping tank with the water-based CFPC liquid, (c) filling the reservoir tank of an air-less liquid spraying system with heat-resistant chemical liquid, (e) dipping structural untreated lumber components into the dipping tank to apply a coating of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) over all its surfaces, and allow to dry to produce Class-A fire-protective lumber, and then use air-less liquid spraying system to coat metal connector plates for use with the fire-treated lumber components, (f) assembling the fire-treated lumber components using heat-resistant coated metal connector plates to make a fire-protected top chord bearing floor truss (TCBT) structure, and (g) stacking and packaging one or more Class-A fire-protected floor truss structures using banding or other fasteners and ship to destination site for use in the construction of a wood-framed building;

FIG. 37 is a schematic representation of an automated factory for making Class-A fire-protected floor trusses shown in FIG. 36 according to the method described in FIG. 36, wherein the automated factory comprises the components, including (a) a first stage for dipping untreated lumber components in a tank filled with liquid clean fire inhibiting chemicals, (b) a second stage for spraying metal connector plates with a coating of heat-resistant chemical liquid to produce heat-resistant metal connector plates, and (c) third stage for assembling the Class-A fire-treated lumber components with the heat-resistant metal connector plates to form Class-A fire-protected floor trusses;

FIG. 38 shows a family of Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing floor structures constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, described in FIGS. 36 and 37;

FIG. 39 show a schematic table representation illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of Class-A fire-protected floor truss structure produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 36, 37 and 38, and tested in accordance with standards ASTM E84 and UL 723;

FIG. 40 is a schematic representation of Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing roof truss structure of the present invention, constructed in accordance with the method described in FIG. 41 in the automated factory illustrated in FIG. 42, using Class-A fire-protected lumber sections connected together using heat-resistant coated metal truss connector plates, indicating a 50% reduction in heat transfer during ASTM E119 Testing, which reduces charring in the wood behind the connector plates and prevented truss failure in the presence of fire;

FIG. 41 is a flow chart describing the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing roof trusses (TCBT) shown in FIG. 40, comprising the steps of (a) procuring clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid for treating wood pieces, (b) filling water-based CFPC liquid into a dipping tank, (c) filling a reservoir tank of an air-less liquid spraying system with heat-resistant chemical liquid, (d) dipping structural untreated lumber components into the dipping tank to apply a coating of clean fire inhibiting chemicals (CFIC) over all its surfaces, and allow to dry to produce Class-A fire-protected lumber, (e) using the air-less liquid spraying system to coat the metal connector plates with heat-resistant chemical liquid, to produce heat-resistant metal connector plates for use with the Class-A fire-protected lumber components, (f) assembling the fire-treated lumber components using heat-resistant Dectan chemical coated metal connector plates to make a fire-protected top chord bearing roof truss (TCBT) structure, and (g) stacking and packaging one or more Class-A fire-protected roof truss structures using banding or other fasteners and ship to destination site for use in construction wood-framed buildings;

FIG. 42 is a schematic representation of an automated factory for making Class-A fire-protected roof trusses in accordance with the method described in FIG. 41, wherein the factory comprises the components, including (a) a first stage for dipping untreated lumber components in a dipping tank filled with liquid clean fire inhibiting chemicals (CFIC), (b) a second stage for spraying metal connector plates with a heat-resistant chemical to produce heat-resistant metal connector plates, and (c) a third stage for assembling the Class-A fire-protected lumber components with the heat-resistant metal connector plates to form Class-A fire-protected roof trusses;

FIGS. 43A and 43B show a family of Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing roof structures constructed in accordance with the present invention, described in FIGS. 40, 41 and 42;

FIG. 44 shows a schematic table representation illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of Class-A fire-protected roof truss structure produced using the method described in FIGS. 41, 42, 43A and 43B, in accordance with ASTM E84 and UL 723;

FIG. 45 is a schematic representation of a Class-A fire-protected floor joist structure of the present invention, formed using Class-A fire-protected lumber pieces connected together using heat-resistant metal joist hanger plates, for use in construction a Class-A fire-protected floor joist system enabling the construction of one-hour floor assemblies, using one layer of drywall, in long lengths (e.g. up to 40 feet), for spanning straight floor sections, and as a rim joist as well;

FIG. 46 is a flow chart describing the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected joist structure in accordance with the present invention, comprising the steps of (i) procuring clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid for fire-protecting wood and lumber, (b) filling water-based CFPC liquid into a dipping tank, (c) filling the air-less liquid spraying system with heat-resistant chemical liquid, (d) dipping structural untreated lumber components into dipping tank to apply a uniform coating of clean fire inhibiting chemicals (CFIC) over all its surfaces, and allow to dry to produce Class-A fire-protected lumber, (e) using an air-less liquid spraying system to coat metal joist hangers with the heat-resistant chemical liquid, for use with the Class-A fire-protected lumber components, (f) assembling the Class-A fire-protected lumber components using heat-resistant coated metal joist hangers to make a Class-A fire-protected joist structure, and (g) stacking and packaging one or more Class-A fire-protected joist structures using banding or other fasteners and ship the package to destination site for use in construction of a wood-framed building;

FIG. 47 is a schematic representation of a factory for making Class-A fire-protected joist structures in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising the components, including (a) a first stage for dipping untreated lumber components in a tank filled with liquid clean fire inhibiting chemicals (CFIC), (b) a second stage for spraying metal joist hangers with heat-resistant chemical to as to produce heat-resistant metal joist hangers, and (c) a third stage for assembling the Class-A fire-protected lumber components with the heat-resistant metal joist plates to form Class-A fire-protected joist structures;

FIG. 48 shows a schematic table representation illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of Class-A fire-protected floor joist structure produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 46 and 47, tested in accordance with standards ASTM E84 and UL 723;

FIG. 49 is a schematic representation illustrating the method of and system for the present invention for on-job-site spray-coating clean fire inhibiting liquid chemical (CFIC) liquid over all exposed interior surfaces of raw as well as fire-treated lumber and sheathing used in a completed section of a wood-framed building during its construction phase, so as to deposit a thin CFIC film or coating over all exposed interior wood surfaces, and thereby provide Class-A fire-protection over all lumber and sheathing used in the wood-framed building construction;

FIG. 50 is a schematic representation showing the primary components of the air-less liquid spraying system for spraying environmentally-clean Class-A fire-protective liquid coatings, comprising (i) an air-less type liquid spray pumping subsystem having a reservoir tank for containing a volume of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, (ii) a hand-held liquid spray nozzle gun for holding in the hand of a spray-coating technician, and (iii) a sufficient length of flexible tubing, preferably supported on a carry-reel assembly, if necessary, for carrying the CFIC liquid from the reservoir tank of the liquid spray pumping subsystem, to the hand-held liquid spray gun during spraying operations carried out inside the wood-framed building during the construction phase of the building project;

FIG. 51A is a perspective view of a first job-site of multi-apartment wood-framed building under construction prepared and ready for clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid spray coating treatment applied in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 51B is a perspective view of a second job-site of multi-apartment wood-framed building under construction prepared and ready for clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid spray coating treatment applied in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 52A, 52B and 52C, taken together, set forth a high-level flow chart describing the steps carried out when practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected multi-story wood-framed buildings having improved resistance against total fire destruction, comprising the steps of (a) a fire-protection spray coating technician receives a request from a builder to apply clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid coating on all interior surfaces of the untreated and/or treated wood lumber and sheathing to be used to construct a wood-framed multi-story building at a particular site location, (b) the fire-protection spray coating technician receives building construction specifications, analyze same to determine the square footage of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) coating to be spray applied to the interior surfaces of the wood-framed building, compute the quantity of CFIC liquid required to do the spray job satisfactorily, and generate a job price quote for the spray job and send to the builder for review and approval, (c) after the builder accepts the job price quote, the builder orders the fire-protection spray coating team to begin performing the on-site wood coating spray job, in accordance with the building construction schedule, so that after the builder completes each predetermined section of the building, where wood framing has been constructed and sheathing installed, but before any wallboard has been installed, clean fire-inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid is supplied to an airless liquid spraying system, for spray coating all interior wood surfaces with a CFIC coating, (d) when the section of the building is spray coated with clean fire-protection chemical coating, the section is certified and marked as certified for visual inspection, (e) as each section of the wood-framed building is constructed according to the construction schedule, the spray coating team continues to spray coat the completed section, and certify and mark as certified each such completed spray coated section of the building under construction, (f) when all sections of the building under construction have been completely spray coated with clean fire-inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid materials, and certified as such, the spray technicians remove the spray equipment from the building, and the builder proceeds to the next stages of construction and completes the building construction according to architectural and building specifications and plans, and (g) the spray technician then issues a certificate of completion with respect to the application of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid to all exposed wood surfaces on the interior of the wood-framed building during its construction phase, thereby protecting the building from risk of total destruction by fire;

FIG. 53 is a method of operating an air-less liquid spraying system, shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, so that clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid is sprayed as a fire-protective liquid coating over all exposed interior surfaces of lumber and sheathing used in a completed section of the wood-framed building under construction, wherein the method comprises the steps of (a) procuring clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, (b) shipping the CFIC liquid to its destination on a specified job site location, (c) loading the water-based CFIC liquid into the reservoir tank of an air-less liquid spraying system, and (d) using a spray nozzle operably connected to the air-less liquid spraying system to a spray apply a coating of CFIC liquid over all of the interior surfaces of the section of wood-framed building to be spray treated at any given phase of building construction; and

FIG. 54 shows a schematic table representation illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of on-job-site CFIC spray-treated Class-A fire-protected lumber and sheathing produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 45 through 49, and tested in accordance with standard ASTM E2768-1.

DETAILLED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring to the accompanying Drawings, like structures and elements shown throughout the figures thereof shall be indicated with like reference numerals.

Specification of Method of Designing and Constructing Multi-Story Wood-Framed Buildings in Accordance with the Principles of the Present Invention so That Such Wood-Framed Building Demonstrate Class-A Fire-Protection and Improvd Resistance Against Total Fire Destruction

FIG. 17 describes the primary steps involved in the method of designing and constructing multi-story wood-framed buildings in accordance with the principles of the present invention so that such wood-framed building demonstrate Class-A fire-protection and resistance against total fire destruction. As shown, the method comprises the two phases: an architectural design phase; and a building construction phase.

During the architectural design phase of a new multi-story building, the architect specifies the use of (i) Class-A fire-protected lumber, or raw untreated lumber, Class-A fire-protected OSB sheeting, Class-A fire-protected OSB Hoists, Class-A fire-protected floor trusses, and Class-A fire-protected roof trusses, and (i) on-job-site Class-A fire-protected spray coating treatment of all raw/untreated and treated lumber using CFIC liquid after each completed section of the wood-framed building, so as to ensure that a Class-A fire-protection coating is deposited or otherwise formed on the interior surface of all exposed wood surfaces within the wood-framed building under construction.

As shown in FIG. 17, during the design phase, the building architect specifies the use of the on-job-site spray method and system of the present invention so that all (100%) of new construction lumber and sheathing used on the building is Class-A fire-protected with a CFIC coating or film, to prevent fire ignition and flame spread in the building, during the construction phase, as well as after construction of the building is completed. According to the present invention, the building architect also specifies that factory-applied Class-A fire-protective lumber be used on exterior walls, exterior face of the roof, walls and floor sheathing, as it offers extra UV and moisture protection, against the natural elements.

During the construction phase, the builder constructs the building in accordance with the architect's design specifications so as to provide a single-story or multi-story wood-framed building having Class-A fire-protection and improved resistance against total fire destruction.

In order to carry out the method described above, it will be helpful to describe several new and improved methods of producing Class-A fire-protected lumber and wood-based building products in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Each of these improved building products can be used in the practice of the method described in FIG. 17, in combination with the novel method of spray-treating lumber and sheathing inside a wood-framed building under construction, to provide Class-A fire-protection as described in FIGS. 41 through 45.

Specification of the Method of and Apparatus for Producing Bundle of Class-A Fire-Protected Lumber Produced in Accordance with the Principles of the Present Invention

While most fires start small, they often spread rapidly onto surrounding flammable surfaces. Before long, the phenomenon of flash over occurs, where superheated gases cause a whole room to erupt into flame within minutes. Class-A fire-protected lumber of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 18, bears a clear or transparent surface coating formed by dip-coating lumber pieces in clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, preferably Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor, developed by Hartindo Chemicatama Industri of Jakarta, Indonesia, and commercially-available from Newstar Chemicals (M) SDN. BHD of Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia http://newstarchemicals.com/products.html. When so treated, Class-A fire-protected lumber products will prevent flames from spreading, and confine fire to the ignition source which can be readily extinguished, or go out by itself.

The primary chemical constituents of Hartindo AF21 include: monoammonium phosphate (MAP) (NH₄H₂PO₄); diammonium phosphate (DAP) (NH₄)₂HPO₄; ammonium sulphate (NH₄)₂SO₄; urea (CH₄N₂O); ammonium bromide (NH4Br); and tripotassium citrate C₆H₅K₃O₇. These chemicals are mixed together with water to form a clear aqueous solution that is environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, but performs extremely well as a total fire inhibitor. In the presence of a flame, the chemical molecules in the CFIC-coating formed with Hartindo AF21 liquid on the surface of the fire-protected lumber, interferes with the free radicals (H+, OH—, O) involved in the free-radical chemical reactions within the combustion phase of a fire, and breaks these free-radical chemical reactions and extinguishes the fire's flames.

FIG. 18 shows a bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber 29 produced using the method of and apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 19 shows an automated lumber factory system 20 for continuously fabricating wrapped and packaged bundles of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber product 29 in a high-speed manner, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. However, it is understood that this automated factory and production methods can be used to treat and protect solid wood and timber products, as well, so as to produce Class-A fire-protected solid wood products (e.g. studs, beams, boards, etc), as well as engineerered wood products.

As shown in FIG. 19, the factory 20 comprises a number of automated industrial stages integrated together under automation and control of controller 28, namely: a high-speed multi-stage lumber piece conveyor-chain mechanism 22 having 6 primary stages in the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A; a kiln-drying stage 23 receiving short pieces of lumber 21 from a supply warehouse maintained in or around the factory; a finger-jointing lumber processing stage 24, for processing short-length pieces of kiln-dried lumber and automatically fabricating extended-length finger-jointed pieces of lumber 29, as output from this stage; a lumber planing and dimensioning stage 25 for planing and dimensioning enlongated pieces of finger-jointed lumber into lumber pieces having lengths and dimensions for the product application at hand (e.g. studs); an in-line high-speed continuous CFIC liquid dip-coating stage 26, as further detailed in FIG. 19A; an automated stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding/strapping stage 27, from which bundles of packaged, wrapped and strapped Class-A fire-protected lumber product are produced in a high-speed automated manner.

In general, the kiln-drying stage 23 can be implemented in different ways. One way is providing a drying room with heaters that can be driven by electricity, natural or propane gas, and/or other combustible fuels which release heat energy required to dry short-length lumber pieces prior to the finger-joint wood processing stage. Batches of wood to be treated are loaded into the drying room and treated with heat energy over time to reduce the moisture content of the wood to a predetermined level (e.g. 19% moisture). In alternative embodiments, the kiln-drying stage 23 might be installed an elongated tunnel on the front end of the production line, having input and output ports, with one stage of the conveyor-chain mechanism 22 passing through the heating chamber, from its input port to output port, allowing short-length lumber to be kiln-dried as it passes through the chamber along its conveyor mechanism, in a speed-controlled and temperature-controlled manner. Other methods and apparatus can be used to realize this stage along the lumber production line, provided that the desired degree of moisture within the wood is removed at this stage of the process.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the finger-jointing lumber processing stage 24 can be configured as generally disclosed in US Patent Application Publication Nos. US20070220825A1 and US20170138049A1, incorporated herein by reference. In general, this stage involves robotic wood-working machinery, automation and programmable controls, well known in the finger-jointing wood art, and transforms multiple smaller-pieces of kiln-dried lumber into an extended-length piece of finger-jointed lumber, which is then planed and dimensioned during the next planning/dimensioning stage of the production line. An example of commercial equipment that may be adapted for the finger-jointing processing stage 24 of the present invention may be the CRP 2500, CRP 2750 or CRP 3000 Finger Jointing System from Conception R.P., Inc., Quebec, Canada http://www.conceptionrp.com/finger-jointing-systems.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the lumber planing and dimensioning stage 25 includes wood planing equipment, such industrial band or rotary saws designed to cut and dimension finger-jointed lumber pieces produced from the finger-jointing lumber processing stage 24, into lumber boards of a specified dimension and thickness, in an highly programmed and automated manner.

As shown in FIG. 19A, the dip-coating stage 26 of the factory system 20 comprises a number of components integrated together on the production line with suitable automation and controls, namely: a multi-stage chain-driven conveyor subsystem 22, supporting several parallel sets of chain-driven transport rails 22A1, 22A2 and 22A3, as shown, extending from the planing and dimensioning stage 25 towards the dipping tank 26B, and then running inside and along the bottom of the dipping tank 26B, and then running out thereof towards the stacking, packing, wrapping and banding/strapping stage 27, as shown, and having the capacity of transporting extend-length finger-jointed lumber pieces (i.e. boards) having a length as long as 30 or so feet; a dipping reservoir 26B having a width dimension to accommodate the width of the chain-driven conveyor rails 22A1, 22A2 and 22A3 mounted and running outside of and also within the dipping tank 26B, as shown, to transport up planed and dimensioned finger-jointed lumber pieces 29A supported upon the chain-driven rails 22A1, 22A2 and 22A3, while the boards are fully immersed and submerged at least 6 inches deep in CFIC liquid 26H contained in the dipping tank 26B, while moving at high speed, such as 300 feet/minute through the dipping tank 26B during the CFIC dip-coating process of the present invention; electrically-powered driven motors 26I for driving the chain-driven conveyors 22A1, 22A2 and 22A3 under computer control to transport finger-jointed pieces of lumber from stage to stage along the lumber production line; a level sensor 26F for sensing the level of CFIC liquid 26B in the dipping tank at any moment in time during production line operation; a reservoir tank 26C for containing a large volume or supply of CFIC liquid solution 26K; a computer controller 26G for controlling the conveyor subsystem 22, and an electric pump 26D for pumping CFIC liquid into the dipping tank 26B to maintain a constant supply level during system operation in response to the liquid level measured by the level sensor 26F.

The high-speed CFIC liquid dip-coating subsystem 26 shown in FIG. 19A may also include additional apparatus including, for example, liquid heaters, circulation pumps and controls for (i) maintaining the temperature of CFIC liquid solution in the dipping tank 26B, and (ii) controlling the circulation of CFIC liquid around submerged pieces of finger-jointed lumber 29A being transported through the dipping tank 26B in a submerged manner during a CFIC coating process. Controlling such dip-coating parameters may be used to control the amount and degree of absorption of CFIC liquid within the surface fibers of the finger-jointed lumber 29A as it is rapidly transported through the dipping tank 26B between the lumber planing and dimensioning stage 25 and the lumber stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding/strapping stage 27 of the lumber production line. Notably, the dip coating process of the present invention allows for the rapid formation a surface coating, or surface barrier, on the surface of each piece of dipped lumber, and in the presence of the surfactant in the CFIC liquid in the dipping tank, shallow impregnation of CFIC liquid 26H to occur into the surface fibers of each piece of lumber 29A near atmospheric pressure (i.e. below 6 inches of liquid CFIC in the dipping tank) during the dip-coated process according to the principles of the present invention. It is understood that drip pans may also be provided beyond the dipping tank 26B, installed beneath the chain-driven conveyor subsystem arranged between the dripping tank 26B and the stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding/strapping stage 27, to recover excess CFIC liquid dripping from the dip-coated lumber pieces 29A and returning this recovered CFIC liquid to the dipping tank 26B after appropriate filtering of the CFIC liquid if and as necessary.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding stage 27 includes equipment designed to automatically receive CFIC-coated finger-jointed lumber pieces 29A while still dripping and wet from CFIC liquid 26H, and wet stacking a predetermined number of lumber pieces into a package, and then wrapping the package of lumber with a sheet of wrapping material (e.g. TVEK or like material) that covers the top portion and at least half way down each side of the lumber package, and then banding or strapping the wrapped package with fiberglass or steel banding, well known in the art. The wrapping will typically be preprinted with trademarks and logos of the lumber manufacturer's brand. Finally, the ends of the lumber pieces in the strapped, wrapped lumber package are painted with a fire-protective paint also containing CFIC liquid (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor) in amounts to be effective in Class-A fire suppression.

FIGS. 20A and 20B describe the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing bundles of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber 29 for use in fire-protected building construction.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 20A, in an automated lumber factory, a high-speed Class-A fire-protected lumber production line is installed and operated, with a reservoir tank 26C containing a large supply of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid 26K (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor) that is supplied to the automated CFIC liquid dip-coating stage 26 of the lumber factory 20, installed between (i) the lumber planing/dimensioning stage 25, and (ii) an automated stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding stage 27 in the lumber factory 20.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 20A, a supply of untreated short-length lumber is loaded onto the high-speed conveyor-chain transport mechanism 22 and auto-feeder installed along and between the stages of the lumber production line.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 20A, the untreated short-length lumber is loaded into the controlled-drying stage 23 of the fire-protected lumber production line so to produce suitably dried short-pieces of lumber for supply to the finger-jointing processing stage 24. This stage can be performed by loading batches of short length lumber into the drying room or oven, whose temperature and humidity are strictly controlled using electric heaters and other equipment under computer control. Alternatively, short-length lumber pieces can be controllably dried by moving batches of short-length lumber through a tunnel-like drying room or chamber, through which chain-driven conveyor mechanism 22 passes, like other stages along the lumber production line, while the temperature and humidity of the environment is controlled using electric-driven or gas-combusting heaters under computer control in a manner well known in the art.

As indicated at Block D in FIG. 20A, the controllably-dried short-length lumber is continuously supplied into the finger-jointing lumber processing stage 24, for producing pieces of extended-length finger-jointed lumber in a highly automated manner.

As indicated at Block E in FIG. 20B, produced pieces of extended-length finger-jointed lumber are automatically transported to the planing/dimensioning stage 25 so that the finger-jointed lumber can be planed/dimensioned into pieces of dimensioned finger-jointed lumber 29A, and outputted onto the multi-stage conveyor-chain transport mechanism 22.

As indicated at Block F in FIG. 20B, the dimensioned finger-jointed lumber pieces 29A are continuously transported and submerged through an automated dipping tank 26B for sufficient coating in CFIC liquid (e.g. Hartindo AF21 liquid) while being transported on the conveyor-chain transport mechanism 22.

As indicated at Block G in FIG. 20B, the wet dip-coated pieces of dimensioned finger-jointed lumber are continuously removed from the dipping tank 26B, and automatically wet-stacking, packing, wrapping and banding the wet dip-coated pieces into a packaged bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber.

As indicated at Block H in FIG. 20B, the packaged bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber is removed from the stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding stage 27 and stored in a storage location in the factory 20. The strapping the bundle material used may be made of high-strength fiberglass plastic or metal banding material.

As indicated at Block I in FIG. 20B, the ends of each packaged bundle of fire-protected dimensioned finger-jointed lumber 29, produced from the production line, are painted using a Class-A fire-protected paint containing clean fire-inhibited chemicals (CFIC) (e.g. 25% Hartindo AF21 liquid, 75% liquid polymer binder, and black liquid pigment) and applying trademarks and logos to the wrapped package of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber.

In the illustrative embodiment, Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor liquid is used as the CFIC liquid 26H that is deposited as a CFIC surface coating during the dip-coating of wood/lumber products on the production line of the present invention described above. The surfactants in Hartindo AF21 liquid formulation break the surface tension and allow its chemical molecules to impregnate ever so slightly the surface of the treated wood. This way, in the presence of a flame, the chemical molecules in the CFIC-coating on the surface of the fire-protected lumber, interferes with the free radicals (H+, OH−, O−) produced during the combustion phase of a fire, and breaks the fire's chemical reaction and extinguishes its flame. This is a primary fire suppression mechanism implemented by the CFIC-coatings deposited on wood surfaces in accordance with the various principles of invention disclosed and taught herein.

The table in FIG. 21 illustrates the flame spread and smoke development indices of fire-protected lumber 29 produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment, using Hartindo AF21 as a CFIC liquid dip coating material, described in FIGS. 20A and 20B. As shown in the table, the flame spread index for Spruce Pine Fir (SPF) was measured to be 15, whereas the smoke development index measured to be 95. The flame spread index for Douglas Fir was measured to be 0, whereas the smoke development index measured to be 40.

Specification of the Method of and Apparatus for Producing Class-A Fire-Protected Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Panels in Accordance with the Principles of the Present Invention

FIG. 22 shows a bundle of fire-protected cross-laminated timber (CLT) products (e.g. panels 42) produced using the method and apparatus of the present invention. The Class-A fire-protected cross-laminated timber (CLT) of the present invention 42 bears a surface coating of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor). This CFIC coating prevents flames from spreading by breaking the free radical chemical reaction within the combustion phase of fire, and confining the fire to the ignition source which can be readily extinguished, or go out by itself. When practicing the present invention, it is important that other fungicides, biocides, wood preservatives, and/or mildew agents are not added to the CFIC solution 39H (i.e. Hartindo AF21) in the CFIC dip coating tank 32B because it has been discovered that such agents will chemically interfere with and adversely effect the fire-inhibiting properties and characteristics of the Hartindo AF21 fire-inhibiting chemicals, proven by E84 flame spread test results.

FIG. 23 shows an automated factory system 30 for producing Class-A fire-protected cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, beams, and other products 42 in a high volume manner. As shown in FIG. 23, the factory 30 comprises a number of automated stages integrated together under automation and control, namely: a multi-stage conveyor-chain mechanism 32 having numerous primary stages in the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 and 23A; a controlled-drying stage 33 receiving short pieces of lumber from a supply warehouse maintained in or around the factory and drying them in a controlled manner well known in the art; a finger-jointing stage 34, for processing short-length pieces of dried timber (i.e. lumber) and automatically fabricating extended-length finger-jointed pieces of timber, as output from this stage; a lamination planing stage 35 for planing finger-jointed pieces of timber to produce finger-jointed timber laminations; an automated adhesive stage 36 for applying adhesive to the finger-jointed timer laminations; a pressing and curing stage 37 where the finger-jointed laminations with adhesive are stacked in a cross-directional manner and then placed in pressing machine where the adhesive is cured under pressure to produce a cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel, beam or other product; cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage 38 for cutting and ripping cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels into CLT products 42A; a chain-driven conveyor 32 for conveying the CLT product 42A along the next few stages of the production line; an in-line CFIC liquid dip-coating stage 39, as further detailed in FIG. 23A, supporting an elongated dipping tank 39B through which the chain-driven conveyor 32 transports CLT product into the dipping tank 39H and along its length while submerged under CFIC liquid (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor) 39H during dip-coating operations, to form a CFIC coating on the surfaces of the CLT product, and removing the CFIC-coated CLT product from the dipping tank and transport it to the next stage along the production line; a packaging and wrapping/labeling stage 40 for packaging and wrapping/labeling CLT product 42A either after it has dried, or while the CFIC-coated CLT product is still wet and allowed to dry in its wrapping.

In general, the controlled-drying stage 33 will include drying room with heaters that can be driven by electricity, natural or propane gas, or other combustible fuels which produce heat energy required to dry short-length lumber prior to the finger-joint wood processing stage. Some alternative embodiments, the controlled-drying stage 33 might be installed on the front end of the production line as shown in FIG. 23, and having input and output ports, with one stage of the conveyor-chain mechanism 32 passing through the heating chamber, from its input port to output port, allowing short-length lumber to be kiln-dried as it passes through the chamber along its conveyor mechanism. Other methods and apparatus can be used to realize this stage of the lumber production line of the present invention, provided that the desired degree of moisture within the wood is removed with heat or radiant energy at this stage of the process.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the finger-jointing lumber processing stage 34 can be configured as generally disclosed in US Patent Application Publication Nos. US20070220825A1 and US20170138049A1, incorporated herein by reference. In general, this stage involves robotic wood-working machinery, automation and programmable controls, well known in the finger-jointing wood art, and transforms multiple smaller-pieces of kiln-dried lumber into an extended-length piece of finger-jointed lumber, which is then planed and dimensioned during the next planning/dimensioning stage of the production line. An example of commercial equipment that may be adapted for the finger-jointing processing stage 34 of the present invention may be the CRP 2500, CRP 2750 or CRP 3000 Finger Jointing System from Conception R.P., Inc., Quebec, Canada http://www.conceptionrp.com/finger-jointing-systems.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the laminating planing stage 35 includes wood lamination planing equipment, such industrial band or rotary saws designed to cut, plane and dimension finger-jointed lumber pieces produced from the finger-jointing stage 34, into finger-jointed timber laminations of a specified dimension and thickness.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the lamination planing stage 35 can be realized using a band or radial saw as may be required to produce finger-jointed laminations.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the adhesive application stage 36 can be realized using automated adhesive applicators well known in the art to apply a predetermined controlled amount of adhesive to each finger-jointed timber lamination during the automated finger-jointing process.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the pressing and curing stage 37 can be realized using an automated pressing and curing machine well known in the art to apply a predetermined controlled amount of pressure to the timber laminations after they have been cross-configured, and placed into the machine for pressing and subsequent curing operations.

LEDINEK Engineering, do.o.o, of Hoce, Slovenia, offers complete turnkey CLT production lines for high-volume automated production of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. Such systems comprise: lamination planers; finger jointing machines; presses & curing machines; and automation and controllers. Such technologies and machines can be used to implement many of the stages described above in the CLT panel production line of the present invention. https://www.ledinek.com/engineered-timber

As shown in FIG. 23A, the in-line high-speed continuous CFIC liquid dip-coating stage 39 of the production line comprises a number of components integrated together, with suitable automation and controls, namely: a multi-stage lumber board chain-driven conveyor subsystem 32, supporting several parallel sets of chain-driven transport rails 32A1, 32A2 and 32A3, as shown, extending from the pressing and curing stage 39 towards a dipping tank 39B, and then running inside and along the bottom of the dipping tank 39B, and then running out thereof, towards the packing and wrapping stage 40, as shown, and having the capacity of transporting CLT panels and boards having a length up to 30 or so feet.

In the illustrative embodiment, the dipping tank 39B has a width dimension of 32 or so feet to accommodate the width of the CLT product being transported on chain-driven conveyor rails 32A1, 32A2 and 32A3 mounted and running outside of and also within the dipping tank 39B, as shown. As shown, the CLT products 42A are supported upon the chain driven rails 32A1, 32A2 and 32A3 while the CLT products are transported through the dipping tank 39B while fully immersed and submerged at least 6 inches deep in CFIC liquid 39H contained in the dipping tank 39B, moving lumber in and out of the dipping tank 39B in just a few seconds during the CFIC dip-coating process of the present invention. Electrically-powered driven motors 39I are provided for the purpose of driving the chain-driven conveyors 32A1, 32A2 and 32A3 under computer control to transport CLT products 39E from stage to stage along the production line. A level sensor 39F is used for real-time sensing and control of the liquid level of CFIC liquid 39H in the dipping tank 39B at any moment in time during production line operation. A reservoir tank 39C is provided for containing a large volume or supply of made up CFIC liquid solution (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor). Also, a computer controller 39G is used for controlling the conveyor subsystem 32, and an electric pump 39D for pumping CFIC liquid into the dipping tank 39B to maintain a constant supply level during system operation in response to the liquid level measured by the level sensor 39F and supplied to the control computer 39G.

The high-speed dip-coating subsystem 39 may also include additional apparatus including, for example, liquid heaters, circulation pumps and controls for (i) maintaining the temperature of CFIC liquid solution in the dipping tank 39B, and (ii) controlling the circulation of CFIC liquid around submerged CLT product 39E being transported through the dipping tank in a submerged manner during a CFIC coating process. Controlling such dip coating parameters may be used to control the amount and degree of absorption of CFIC liquid within the surface fibers of the CLT product, as it is rapidly transported through the dipping tank 39B. Notably, the dip coating process allows for the rapid formation a surface coating, or surface barrier, on the surface of each piece of dipped CLT product 39E, and in the presence of a surfactant in the CFIC liquid in the dipping tank 39B, shallow impregnation of CFIC liquid 39H (e.g. Hartindo AF21) can occur into the surface fibers of each CLT piece 42A near atmospheric pressure (i.e. below 6 inches of liquid CFIC in the dipping tank). It is understood that drip pans may also be provided beyond the dipping tank 39B, installed beneath the chain-driven conveyor subsystem 32 arranged between the dripping tank 39B and the packaging and wrapping stage 40, so as to recover excess CFIC liquid dripping from the dip-coated lumber pieces and returning this recovered CFIC liquid to the dipping tank 39B after appropriate filtering of the CFIC liquid if and as necessary.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the packaging and wrapping stage 40 includes equipment designed to receive CFIC-coated CLT product while still dripping and wet from CFIC liquid, and wrapping the CLT product 42A with a sheet of wrapping material (e.g. TVEK or like material) that covers the top portion and at least half way down each side of the CLT product, and then banding or strapping the wrapped package 42 with fiberglass or steel banding, well known in the art. The wrapping will typically be preprinted with trademarks and logos of the lumber manufacturer's brand. Finally, the ends of the lumber pieces in the strapped, wrapped lumber package 42 are painted with a fire-protective paint also containing CFIC liquid material, in amounts to be effective in fire suppression.

FIGS. 24A and 24B describe the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing bundles of Class-A fire-protected cross-laminated timber (CLT) 42 for use in fire-protected building construction.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 24A, in an automated lumber factory, a high-speed Class-A fire-protected lumber production line is installed and operated, with a reservoir tank 39B containing a large supply of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid 39H that is continuously supplied to the automated high-speed CFIC liquid dip-coating stage 39 of the lumber factory, installed between (i) a cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage 38, and (ii) an automated stacking, packaging, wrapping and banding/strapping stage 40 installed at the end of the production line in the factory.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 24A, a supply of untreated short-length lumber is loaded onto the conveyor-chain transport mechanism 32 installed along and between the stages of the production line.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 24A, the untreated short-length lumber is loaded into the controlled-drying stage of the production line so to produce suitably dried short-length lumber for supply to the finger-jointing processing stage 34. This stage can be performed by loading batches of short length lumber into the drying room or oven, whose temperature and humidity are strictly controlled using electric heaters and other equipment under computer control. Alternatively, short-length lumber pieces can be controllably dried by moving batches of short-length lumber through a tunnel-like drying room or chamber, through which chain-driven conveyor mechanism 32 passes, like other stages along the lumber production line of the present invention, while the temperature and humidity of the environment is controlled using electric-driven or gas-combusting space heaters under computer control in a manner well known in the art.

As indicated at Block D in FIG. 24A, the controllably-dried short-length lumber is continuously supplied into the finger-jointing stage 34, for producing pieces of extended-length finger-jointed timber (lumber) in a highly automated manner.

As indicated at Block E in FIG. 24B, pieces of extended length finger-jointed timber are planed and dimensioned into pieces of finger-jointed timber laminations, and outputting the same onto the conveyor-chain transport mechanism 32.

As indicated at Block F in FIG. 24B, adhesive material is applied to the finger-jointed timber laminations produced during Block E.

As indicated at Block G in FIG. 24B, at the pressing & curing stage 37, pressing a plurality of finger-jointed timber laminations together with applied adhesive between the laminations, and then curing the adhesively joined laminations to produce a cross-laminated timber (CLT) pieces.

As indicated at Block H in FIG. 24B, cross-laminated timber (CLT) pieces are planed and finished at the cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage 38, and outputting finished CLT product to the CFIC liquid dip coating stage 39.

As indicated at Block I in FIG. 24B, the finished CLT products are continuously transported and submerged through the dipping tank 39B of the dip coating stage 39 for sufficient coating in CFIC liquid (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor) 39H, while being transported on the conveyor-chain transport mechanism 32.

As indicated at Block I in FIG. 24B, continuously removing the wet dip-coated cross-laminated timber (CLT) pieces are continuously removed from the dipping tank 39B, and automatically stacked, packaged and wrapped/labeled while wet with CFIC liquid coating, and allowed to dry within the package wrapping.

In the illustrative embodiment, Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor is used as the CFIC liquid solution 34H to form the CFIC surface coating onto treated wood/lumber products produced on the production line of the factory described above. The clinging agent in the Hartindo AF21 CFIC liquid enables its chemical molecules to cling to the surface of the CFIC-coated wood, while its surfactants help to break the surface tension and allow chemical molecules to impregnate ever so slightly the surface of the treated wood. This way, in the presence of a flame, the chemical molecules in the CFIC-coating on the surface of the fire-protected lumber, interferes with the free radicals (H+, OH−, O−) of the chemical reaction produced within the combustion phase of a fire, and breaks the fire's chemical reaction and extinguishes its flame. This is a primary fire suppression mechanism deployed or rather implemented by the CFIC-coatings deposited on wood surfaces in accordance with the various principles of invention, disclosed and taught herein.

The table in FIG. 25 illustrates the flame spread and smoke development indices of fire-protected lumber produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 20A and 20B. As shown in the table, the flame spread index for Spruce Pine Fir (SPF) was measured to be 15, whereas the smoke development index measured to be 95. The flame-spread index for Douglas fir was measured to be 0, whereas the smoke development index measured to be 40.

Specification of the Method of and Apparatus for Producing Class-A Fire-Protected Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Products (i.e. Studs and Boards) in Accordance with the Principles of the Present Invention

In many ways, LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams, headers, columns and studs provide a better alternative than traditional solid sawn lumber pieces, as such engineered wood products (EWPs) are a stronger, stiffer, more consistent and more predictable building material. Also, when compared to similar sized sections, fire-protected LVL products can support heavier loads and allow greater spans than conventional lumber. Every LVL product is made from sheets of veneer. When these sheets are combined into a continuous billet or piece of LVL, the effects of flaws in individual sheets are negated because they are spread throughout the cross-section of the billet, rather than being concentrated in specific locations, such as is the case with sawn lumber. For example, a flaw in a single sheet of veneer laid up into a 15-ply mat or billet of LVL will effectively be 1/15. The challenge facing LVL producers is how to make the strongest possible LVL from their available raw material using smart grading techniques to sort their veneers. LVL is produced and used in a variety of different lengths, thicknesses and widths. In general, the LVL process is based on a combination of continuous lay-up and cycle-type hot pressing that is suitable for the production of LVL products in all lengths.

FIG. 26 shows a stack of Class-A fire-protected laminated veneer lumber (LVL) products (i.e. beams, headers, columns, studs and rim boards) 57A produced using the method and automated factory system 45 shown in FIGS. 27 and 27A. The Class-A fire-protected laminated veneer lumber (LVL) products 57A bear two coatings: (i) an under-layer surface-coating of Class-A fire-protection provided by a dip-coating of CFIC fire-inhibiting chemical (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor) which is allowed to stack-dry (e.g. for 24 hours or so); and (ii) a top-layer moisture, fire and UV protective coating that is spray-coated over the CFIC dip-coated, using a spraying tunnel 55, to deposit a moisture, fire and UV protection coating over the Class-A fire-protection coating over the LVL product.

In the illustrative embodiment, the top protective coating is formulated as follows: 75% by volume of Dectan chemical by Hartindo Chemical; 25% by volume of Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor; and 1.0-0.75 [cups/gallon] ceramic microsphere dust mixed in as an additive, where 1 cup=8.0 US fluid ounces. This rugged top protective coating, which Applicant will trademark under Gator Skin™, protects the CFIC coating (e.g. Hartindo AF21 fire inhibitor coating) from being washed out under outdoor weather conditions expected during building construction when roof, wall and floor sheeting is exposed to and impacted by the natural environment until the building is “dried in.”

FIG. 27 shows an automated factory system 45 for producing Class-A fire-protected laminated veneer lumber (LVL) products in a high volume manner in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 27, the factory 45 comprises a number of automated stages integrated together under automation and control, namely: a conveyor-chain mechanism 47 having numerous stages in the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 27 and 27A, and a stage for delivering clipped veneer to the front of the LVL production line. The stage that delivers the continuous supply of clipped veneer is supported by five preceding stages, starting in the log yard, where veneer logs are delivered to the log yard for the LVL process. There, the logs, graded A and J and suitable for peeling, are debarked at a log debarking stage, and then bathed in a hot bath at the hot log bath stage, to increase the core temperature of the logs up to about 65 degrees Celsius. Such hot log bath equipment can be obtained from the Southern Cross Engineering Co. Then, at a lathe peeling stage, the wood lathe scans the log profile using multiple lasers, then centers the log for the most efficient recovery of material and peels the logs to a core diameter (e.g. 78 mm for the Raute Wood Lathe) to produce peeled veneers. Raute Corporation of Nastola, Finland supplies lathe peeling equipment for this stage. At the clipping stage, the peeled veneers are clipped to a wet width of approximately 1.4 meters and then stacked according to their moisture content. Equipment for supporting this stage is supplied by Babcock & Wilcox.

As shown in FIG. 27, the LVL production line comprises, beyond its veneer delivery stage, an arrangement of stages, namely: a veneer drying stage 47 for receiving veneers from the supply and drying them in a controlled manner using, for example, a Babcock BSH, 22 bar, steam heated, six deck, roller veneer drier, supporting three stages of drying to reach a target moisture content of between 8 and 10%; a chain-driven conveyor 47 for conveying the components and LVL products along subsequent stages of the production line; an automated veneer grading stage 48 for automatically structurally and visually grading veneers using a Babcock NovaScan 4000 camera for surface appearance, a Metriguard 2650 DFX for ultrasonic propagation time, and an Elliot Bay Cypress 2000 moisture detection system; a veneer scarfing stage 49 for scarfing veneer edges to a uniform thickness at the joints between veneers, during the subsequent laying-up stage and process; adhesive application stage 50 for curtain coating veneers with phenol formaldehyde, an exterior grade adhesive, using a Koch (1400 mm curtain coater, with adhesive resin supplied by Dynea NZ Ltd.; a lay-up stage (i.e. station) 51 for vacuum lifting veneers (core sheets, face sheets and make-up sheets) onto the processing line according to the press recipe, and stacking and skew aligning the veneers with adhesive coating until they are laid up into a veneer mat; a pre-pressing stage 52 for pressing the veneer mat together; a hot-pressing and curing stage 53 for continuous hot pressing (over an extending length (e.g. 40 meters) using a Dieffenbacher hot press with hot oil platens to complete cure of the adhesive resin applied to the pressed veneers, and produce an LVL mat having a length up to 18 m long in size, a width of up to 1.2 m, and a thickness between 12 and 120 mm; a cross-cutting and rip sawing stage 53 for cross-cutting and rip sawing the produced LVL mat into LVL products such as studs, beams, rim boards and other dimensioned LVL products; an optional sanding stage, employing orbital sanders; an inkjet print-marking and paint spraying system for marking each piece of LVL product (e.g. LVL stud, board etc.) an with a branded logo and grade for clear visual identification; a CFIC liquid dip-coating stage 54, as shown in FIG. 27A, having a dipping tank 54B through which the chain-driven conveyor 47 transports LVL product into the dipping tank 54B and along its length while submerged under CFIC liquid 54H (e.g. Hartindo AFF21 Total Fire Inhibitor from Newstar Chemicals, of Malaysia, or Hartindo Chemicatama Industri) during dip-coating operations, so as to form a CFIC coating on the surfaces of the LVL product, and removing the CFIC-coated LVL product from the dipping tank, and wet-stacking the LVL product and setting aside to dry for 24 hours or so to produce Class-A fire-protective LVL product 54E; a spray tunnel 55 for spray-coating Class-A fire-protective LVL product 54E (feed with an auto-feeder) with a moisture, fire and UV protective coating while the LVL product is being passed through a spraying tunnel 55 in a high-speed manner, and then quick-dried in a drying tunnel 56 and then passed onto the final stage 57; a stacking, packaging and wrapping/labeling stage 57 using Dieffenbacher, Signode equipment, for packaging and wrapping/labeling the Class-A fire-protected LVL product in its wrapping, ready for forklift handling. Notably, a liquid dye can be added to the CFIC dip-coating liquid 54H without adversely effecting its chemical properties.

KALLESOE MACHINERY A/S of Bredgade, Denmark, offers complete turnkey LVL production lines for high-volume automated production of LVL products. Such systems comprise: presses & curing machines; automation and controllers. Such technologies and machines can be used to implement many of the stages described above in the LVL product production line of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 27A, the dip-coating stage 54 comprises a chain-driven conveyor subsystem 47, supporting several parallel sets of chain-driven transport rails 47A1, 47A2 and 47A3 as shown, extending from the pressing and curing stage 53 towards a dipping tank 54B, and then running inside and along the bottom of the dipping tank 54B, and then running out thereof towards the stacking, packing and wrapping stage 57, as shown, having the capacity of handling studs and boards having a length up to 18 feet (6 m) or so, as the production application may require.

In the illustrative embodiment, the dipping tank 55B has a width dimension of up to 32 feet to accommodate the width of the LVL product 54E being transported on chain-driven conveyor rails 47A1, 47A2 and 47A3 mounted and running outside of and also within the dipping tank 54B, as shown, and allowing sufficient dwell time in the CFIC liquid 54H during the dip-coating process. As shown, the LVL products 54E are supported upon the chain driven rails 47A1, 47A2 and 47A3 while the LVL products 54E are transported through the dipping tank 54B while fully immersed and submerged at least 6 inches deep in CFIC liquid 54H contained in the dipping tank 54B, moving at the linear rate of 300 feet/minute through the dipping tank 54B during the CFIC dip-coating process of the present invention. Electrically-powered driven motors are provided for the purpose of driving the chain-driven conveyors 47A1, 47A2, and 47A3 under computer control to transport LVL products along the production line. A level sensor 54F is used for real-time sensing the level of CFIC liquid 54H in the dipping tank 54B during production line operation. A reservoir tank 54K is provided for containing a large volume or supply of made up CFIC liquid 54H. Also, a computer controller 54G is used for controlling the conveyor subsystem 47, and an electric pump 54D is provided for pumping CFIC liquid 54H into the dipping tank 54B to maintain a constant supply level during system operation in response to the liquid level measured by the level sensor 54F and controlled by the controller 54G.

The high-speed dip-coating stage 54 may also include additional apparatus including, for example, liquid heaters, circulation pumps and controls for (i) maintaining the temperature of CFIC liquid solution 54H in the dipping tank 54B, and (ii) controlling the circulation of CFIC liquid around submerged LVL product 54E being transported through the dipping tank in a submerged manner during the CFIC dip-coating process. Controlling such dip coating parameters may be used to control the amount and degree of absorption of CFIC liquid within the surface fibers of the LVL product as it is rapidly transported through the dipping tank 54B between the cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage 53 and the lumber packaging and wrapping stage 57 of the production line.

Notably, the dip coating process of the present invention allows for the rapid formation a surface coating, or surface barrier, on the surface of each piece of dipped LVL product, or in the presence of a surfactant added to the CFIC liquid in the dipping tank 54B, shallow impregnation of CFIC liquid 54H to occur into the surface fibers of each LVL piece 57A near atmospheric pressure (i.e. below 6 inches of liquid CFIC in the dipping tank) during the dip-coated process. It is understood that drip pans may also be provided beyond the dipping tank 54B, installed beneath the chain-driven conveyor subsystem 47 arranged between the dripping tank 54B and the packaging and wrapping stage 57 so as to recover excess CFIC liquid dripping from the dip-coated lumber pieces and returning this recovered CFIC liquid to the dipping tank after appropriate filtering of the CFIC liquid if and as necessary.

As shown in FIG. 27B, the moisture, fire and UV protection is provided using the spray tunnel stage 55 deployed immediately after the CFIC-liquid dip-coating stage 54. As shown, the spray tunnel stage 55 comprises: a storage tank 55A for storing a large supply of moisture/fire/UV-protective liquid chemical 55B; a spray tunnel 55C for supporting an array of spray nozzles 55D arranged about the conveyor rails 55E1, 55E2 and 55E3, operably connected to a liquid pump 55E connected to the storage tank 55A under controller 55F, to provide a 360 degrees of spray coverage in the tunnel 55C, for spray-coating dip-coated LVL products within a controlled plane of moisture/fire/UV-protection liquid sprayed to cover 100% of surfaces of such LVL products 54E as they are being transported through the spray tunnel 55 at high-speed; and a drying tunnel stage 56 installed after the spray tunnel stage 55, for quick drying of spray-coated Class-A fire-protected LVL products, as they move through the drying tunnel 56 towards the automated stacking, packaging and wrapping stage 57 under the control of the subsystem controller 58. In the preferred embodiment, the moisture/fire/UV protection liquid 55B sprayed in the spray tunnel 55 is formulated as follows: 25% by volume Hartindo AF21 liquid; 75% by volume Dectan Chemical from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri of Indonesia, or its distributed Newstar Chemicals of Malaysia; and 1.0-0.75 [cups/gallon] of Hy-Tech ceramic microsphere dust, as an additive.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the automated stacking, packaging and wrapping stage 57 includes equipment designed to receive Class-A fire-protected LVL product 54E, automatically stack the fire-protected LVL product, package and wrap the product within a sheet of wrapping material (e.g. plastic, TVEK or other wrapping material) covering the top portion and at least half way down each side of the LVL product package 59, and then banding or strapping the wrapped package 59 with fiberglass or steel banding, well known in the art. The wrapping will typically be preprinted with trademarks and logos of the lumber manufacturer's brand. Finally, the ends of the lumber pieces in the strapped, wrapped lumber package 59 are painted with a Class-A fire-protective paint, also containing CFIC liquid material (e.g. 25% by volume Hartindo AF21) to be effective in achieving Class-A fire-protection.

FIGS. 28A and 28B describe the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing bundles of Class-A fire-protected laminated veneer lumber (LVL) product for use in fire-protected building construction.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 28A, a high-speed fire-protected lumber production line is installed and operated in an automated lumber factory 45, provided with an automated high-speed dip-coating stage 54 and spray-coating stage 55 installed between (i) the cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage 53 of the production line, and (ii) an automated stacking, packaging and wrapping stage 57 installed at the end of the production line in the lumber factory 45.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 28A, a supply clipped veneers 46 is continuously loaded onto the conveyor/transport mechanism 47 installed along the LVL production line.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 28A, the veneers are continuously provided to the controlled drying stage 47 of the production line so to produce suitably dried veneers for supply to the veneer grading stage 49 and subsequent stages.

As indicated at Block D in FIG. 28A, dried veneers are scarfed at the veneer scarfing stage 49 to prepare for the veneer laying-up stage 51 where the leading and trailing edges of each sheet of veneer are scarfed (i.e. lapped-jointed) in order to provide a flush joint when the veneer sheets are joined together at the laying-up stage of the LVL process.

As indicated at Block E in FIG. 28B, adhesive material is applied by curtain coating at the adhesive application stage 50, to the surfaces of scarfed veneers prior to the veneer laying-up stage.

As indicated at Block F in FIG. 28B, the veneers are vacuum lifted onto the processing line and stacked and skew aligned with adhesive coating until the veneers are laid up, at the veneer laying-up line 51, into a veneer mat of a predetermined number of veneer layers (i.e. ply).

As indicated at Block G in FIG. 28B, the veneer mat is pressed together at the pre-pressing stage 52 of the production line.

As indicated at Block H in FIG. 28B, the veneer mat is hot pressed in a hot-pressing/curing machine to produce an LVL mat at the hot-pressing and curing stage 53 of the production line.

As indicated at Block I in FIG. 28B, the produced LVL mat is cross-cut and rip-sawed into LVL products (such as studs, beams, rim boards and other dimensioned LVL products) 54E at the cross-cutting and rip sawing stage 53.

As indicated at Block J in FIG. 28B, each piece of LVL product (e.g. LVL studs, boards, etc.) 54E is marked with a branded logo and grade for clear visual identification at the inkjet print-marking and paint spraying stage installed after the cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage 53.

As indicated at Block K in FIG. 28B, the cross-cut/rip-sawed LVL product 54E is continuously transported and submerged through the dipping reservoir 54B at the CFIC-liquid dip-coating stage 54 so as to apply CFIC liquid 54H to the surface of the dipped LVL product 54E at a coating coverage density of about 300 square feet per gallon of CFIC liquid 54H (i.e. Hartindo AF21). The dip-coated LVL product 54E is then wet-stacked in an automated manner using auto-stacking machinery, and then set aside and allowed to dry for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 24 hours) before the stack of dip-coated LVL wood is returned to the production line for continued processing. In the illustrative embodiment, Hartindo AAF21 total fire-inhibitor is used as the CFIC liquid solution 54H, for depositing the CFIC surface-coating onto treated LVL products produced on the production line described above. The surfactants contained in the CFIC liquid helps to break the surface tension and allow chemical molecules to impregnate ever so slightly the surface of the treated LVL products, and produce a Class-A fire-protective LVL product 54E.

As indicated at Block L in FIG. 28C, the Class-A fire-protective LVL products 54E are continuously feed through the spray tunnel stage 55 for spray coating a moisture/fire/UV-protective liquid coating 55B over the entire surface as each dip-coated Class-A fire-protected LVL product (e.g. stud) 54E is feed through the spray tunnel 55.

As indicated at Block M in FIG. 28C, the Class-A fire-protected LVL product is quick-dried while being passed through the drying tunnel 56 disposed immediately after the curtain-coating tunnel 55. This produces a Class-A fire-protective LVL product with a moisture//fire/UV protective coating as it exits the production line, improving the durability of the Class-A fire-protective LVL product when exposed to outdoor weather conditions during the construction phase.

As indicated at Block N in FIG. 28B, Class-A fire-protective LVL product 59 is automatically stacked, packaged and wrapped at the automated stacking, packaging and wrapping stage 57, with trademarked wrapping, logos and the like.

In the presence of a flame, the chemical molecules in the CFIC-coating on the surface of the Class-A fire-protected LVL lumber 54E interferes with the free radicals (H+, OH−, O−) produced during the combustion phase of a fire, and breaks the fire's free-radical chemical reactions and extinguishes its flame. This is a primary fire suppression mechanism implemented by the CFIC-coatings deposited on wood surfaces in accordance with the principles of invention, disclosed and taught herein.

The table in FIG. 29 illustrates the flame spread and smoke development indices of Class-A fire-protected lumber produced using the method described in FIGS. 28A and 28B. As shown in the table, for Spruce Pine Fire (SPF), the flame spread index was measured to be 15, whereas the smoke development index was measured to be 95, meeting the test criteria for Class-A fire-protection rating. For Douglas Fir, the flame spread index was measured to be 0, whereas smoke development index was measured to be 40, also meeting the test criteria for Class-A fire-protection rating.

Specification of Method of Producing Clean Fire-Protected Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Sheathing Constructed in Accordance with the Principles of the Present Invention

FIGS. 30 and 31 show a piece of Class-A fire-protected oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing 60 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. This Class-A fire-protected OSB sheathing 69 is provided with a moisture, fire and UV protection coating 64 that supports weather during building construction when roof, wall and floor sheeting gets hammered by the natural environment until the building is “dried in.” The coating 64 also protects the CFIC (e.g. Hartindo AF21 fire inhibitor) dip-coatings 63A and 63B and paint coating 63C from getting washed out by the weather during the construction phase, as otherwise occurs with most conventional pressure-treated lumber products.

As shown, the Class-A fire-protective OSB sheathing 60 comprises: a core medium layer 61 made of wood pump, binder and/or adhesive materials; OSB sheathing layers 62A and 62B bonded to the core medium layer 61; a clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) coating 63C painted onto the edge surfaces of the core medium layer 61, using a Class-A fire-protective paint containing a CFIC liquid; CFIC coatings 63A and 63B applied to the surface of OSB sheathing layers 62A and 62B respectively, by dipping the OSB sheathing 66 into a CFIC liquid 66H contained in a dipping tank 66B, and allowing shallow surface absorption or impregnation into the OSB sheathing layers 62A and 62B at atmospheric pressure; and a moisture/fire/UV protective coating 64 spray-coated over the CFIC coatings 63A, 63B and 63C applied to protect these underlying CFIC coatings from outdoor weather conditions such as rain, snow and UV radiation from Sunlight.

In the illustrative embodiment, Hartindo AAF21 Total Fire Inhibitor is used as the CFIC liquid 66H to form the CFIC surface coatings 63A, 63B and 63C over the surfaces of the OSB product (e.g. sheet) 66. The clinging agent in the CFIC liquid 66H enables its chemical molecules to cling to the surface of the CFIC-coated OSB product, while its surfactants help to break the surface tension and allow chemical molecules to impregnate ever so slightly the surface of the treated wood. The CFIC paint coating 63A can be formulated by adding Hartindo AF21, 25-30% by volume, to a water-base paint containing liquid polymer binder.

In the illustrative embodiment, the moisture/fire/UV protection liquid 68A comprises a formulation comprising: 75% by volume, DECTAN chemical liquid from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri, Ltd of Jakarta, Indonesia, a complex vinyl acrylic copolymer and tannic acid; 25% by volume, AF21 anti-fire liquid chemical from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri; and ceramic microsphere dust, 1.0-0.75 [cups/gallon] (e.g. ThermaCels™ insulating ceramic microsphere dust by Hy-Tech Thermal Solutions, LLC, of Melbourne, Fla.).

FIG. 33 shows an automated factory system 65 for producing Class-A fire-protected laminated OSB products in a high volume manner in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 33, the factory 65 comprises a number of automated stages integrated together under automation and control, namely: a conveyor-chain mechanism 65E having numerous primary stages in the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 33, 33A and 33B.

As shown in FIG. 33, the OSB production line comprises an arrangement of stages for high-volume automated production of OSB products. Such systems comprise: presses & curing machines; automation and controllers. Such technologies and machines can be used to implement many of the stages described above in the OSB product production line of the present invention. Suzhou CMT Engineering Company Limited offers complete turnkey OSB production lines.

As shown in FIG. 33A, the dip-coating stage 66 comprises a chain-driven conveyor subsystem 65E, supporting several parallel sets of chain-driven transport rails 65E1, 65E2 and 65E3 as shown, extending from the pressing and curing stage 65H towards a dipping tank 54B, and then running inside and along the bottom of the dipping tank 66B, and then running out thereof towards the stacking, packing and wrapping stage 65K, as shown.

In the illustrative embodiment, the dipping tank 66B has a width dimension to accommodate the width of the OSB product 66E being transported on chain-driven conveyor rails 65E1, 65E2 and 65E3 mounted and running outside of and also within the dipping tank 66B, as shown, and allowing sufficient dwell time in the CFIC liquid 66H during the dip-coating process. As shown, the OSB products are supported upon the chain driven rails 65E1, 65E2 and 65E3 while the OSB products 66E are transported through the dipping tank 66B while fully immersed and submerged at least 6 inches deep in CFIC liquid 66H contained in the dipping tank 66B, moving at the linear rate of 300 feet/minute through the dipping tank 66B during the CFIC dip-coating process of the present invention. Electrically-powered driven motors are provided for the purpose of driving the chain-driven conveyors under computer control to transport OSB products 66E from stage to stage along the production line. A level sensor 66F is used for sensing the level of CFIC liquid 66H in the dipping tank at any moment in time during production line operation. A reservoir tank 66C is provided for containing a large volume or supply of CFIC liquid 66H. Also, a computer controller 66G is used for controlling the conveyor subsystem, and an electric pump 66D is provided for pumping CFIC liquid 66H into the dipping tank 66B to maintain a constant supply level during system operation in response to the liquid level measured by the level sensor 66F and controlled by the controller 66G.

The high-speed dip-coating stage 66 may also include additional apparatus including, for example, liquid heaters, circulation pumps and controls for (i) maintaining the temperature of CFIC liquid solution in the dipping tank 66B, and (ii) controlling the circulation of CFIC liquid around submerged OSB product 66E being transported through the dipping tank in a submerged manner during the CFIC dip-coating process. Controlling such dip coating parameters may be used to control the amount and degree of absorption of CFIC liquid within the surface fibers of the OSB product 66E as it is rapidly transported through the dipping tank 66B between the cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage 651 and the lumber packaging and wrapping stage 65K of the production line. Notably, the dip coating process allows for the rapid formation a surface coating, or surface barrier, on the surface of each piece of dipped OSB product, or in the presence of a surfactant added to the CFIC liquid in the dipping tank 66B, shallow impregnation of CFIC liquid 66H to occur into the surface fibers of each OSB sheet 66E near atmospheric pressure (i.e. below 6 inches of liquid CFIC in the dipping tank) during the dip-coated process. It is understood that drip pans may also be provided beyond the dipping tank 66B, installed beneath the chain-driven conveyor subsystem arranged between the dripping tank 66B and the packaging and wrapping stage 65K so as to recover excess CFIC liquid dripping from the dip-coated lumber pieces and returning this recovered CFIC liquid to the dipping tank after appropriate filtering of the CFIC liquid if and as necessary.

As shown in FIG. 33B, the moisture, fire and UV protection is provided using the spray tunnel stage 67 deployed immediately after the CFIC-liquid dip-coating stage 66. As shown, the spray tunnel stage 67 comprises: a storage tank 67A for storing a large supply of moisture/fire/UV-protective liquid chemical 67B; a spray tunnel 67C for supporting an array of spray nozzles 67D arranged about the conveyor rails 67A1, 67A2 and 67A3, operably connected to a liquid pump 67E connected to the storage tank 67A under controller 67F, to provide a 360 degrees of spray coverage in the tunnel 67, for spray-coating dip-coated OSB sheets 66E within a controlled plane of moisture/fire/UV-protection liquid 67B sprayed to cover 100% of surfaces of such OSB sheets 66E as they are being transported through the spray tunnel 67 at high-speed; and a drying tunnel stage 56 installed after the spray tunnel stage 67, for quick drying of spray-coated Class-A fire-protected OSB sheet 66E, as they move through the drying tunnel 68 towards the automated stacking, packaging and wrapping stage 65K, under the control of the subsystem controller 58. In the preferred embodiment, the moisture/fire/UV protection liquid 67B sprayed in the spray tunnel 67 is formulated as follows: 25% by volume Hartindo AF21 liquid; 75% by volume Dectan Chemical from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri of Indonesia, or its distributed Newstar Chemicals of Malaysia; and 0.75 [cups/gallon] of Hy-Tech ceramic microsphere dust, as an additive.

As illustrated in FIG. 33, the automated stacking, packaging and wrapping stage 65K includes equipment designed to receive Class-A fire-protected OSB sheets 66E, automatically stacking the fire-protected OSB sheets, packaging and wrapping the sheets with wrapping material (e.g. plastic, TVEK or other wrapping material) that covers the top portion and at least half way down each side of the stacked OSB sheets, and then banding or strapping the wrapped package with fiberglass or steel banding, well known in the art. The wrapping will typically be preprinted with trademarks and logos of the lumber manufacturer's brand. Finally, the ends of the OSB lumber sheets 69 in the strapped, wrapped lumber package 69 are painted with a fire-protective paint also containing CFIC liquid material (e.g. 25% by volume, Hartindo AF21 liquid) to be effective in achieving Class-A fire-protection.

FIGS. 32A, 32B and 32C describe the high-level steps carried out when producing Class-A fire-protected OSB sheathing 69 in the automated factory shown in FIGS. 33, 33A and 33B, in accordance with the method and principles of the present invention.

Provided with this innovative two-coating system of UV/moisture/fire-protection, in the presence of a flame, the chemical molecules in both the moisture/fire/UV-protective coating 64 and CFIC-coatings 63A, 63B capture the free radicals (H+, OH−, O) produced during a fire, and break the fire's chemical reaction and extinguish its flame. This is a primary fire suppression mechanism deployed or rather implemented by the CFIC-coatings deposited on wood surfaces in accordance with the various principles of invention, disclosed and taught herein.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 32A, in an automated factory configured for automated production of Class-A fire-protected OSB sheeting, an edge painting stage 65J, an CFIC liquid dip coating stage 67, a spray tunnel stage 67, and a drying tunnel stage 68 are installed between the finishing stage 651 and automated packaging and wrapping stage 65K along the lumber production line.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 32A, logs are sorted, soaked and debarked at stage 65A to prepare for the logs for the stranding stage 65B.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 32A, the debarked logs are processed at the stranding stage 65B to produce strands of wood having specific length, width and thickness.

As indicated at Block D in FIG. 32A, at the strand metering stage 65C, the strands are collected in large storage binds that allow for precise metering into the dryers.

As indicated at Block E in FIG. 32A, the strands are dried at the drying stage 65D to a target moisture content and screening them to remove small particles for recycling.

As indicated at Block F in FIG. 32B, the strands are coated with resin and wax at the blending 65F to enhance the finished panel's resistance to moisture and water absorption.

As indicated at Block G in FIG. 32B, cross-directional layers of strands are formed into strand-based mats at the mat forming stage 65G.

As indicated at Block H in FIG. 32B, the mats are heated and pressed at the pressing and curing stage 65H to consolidate the strands and cure the resins and form a rigid dense structural oriented strand board (OSB) panel.

As indicated at Block I in FIG. 32B, at the finishing stage 651, the structural OSB panel is trimmed and cut to size, and groove joints machined and edge sealants applied for moisture resistance.

As indicated at Block J in FIG. 32B, Class-A fire-protective paint (containing CFIC liquid, 25% by volume, Hartindo AF21 liquid) is applied to the edges of the trimmed and cut OSB panels, at the edge painting stage 65J.

As indicated at Block K in FIG. 32B, OSB panels are transported and submerged through the dipping tank 66B of the dip coating stage 66 for sufficient coating in CFIC liquid 66H, while being transported on the conveyor-chain transport mechanism 65E.

As indicated at Block L in FIG. 32B, the wet dip-coated OSB panels are removed from the dipping tank 66B, and wet stacked and set aside for about 24 hours or so, to allow the wet CFIC liquid coating on the dipped OSB panels 66E to penetrate into the panels 69 as the coating dries.

As indicated at Block M in FIG. 32C, a stack of air-dried dip-coated OSB panels 66E is loaded to the auto-feeder of the second stage of the production line, shown in FIG. 33B.

As indicated at Block N in FIG. 32C, the dip-coated OSB panels 66E are spray-coated with a moisture, fire and UV protection coating 64 that supports weather during building construction, to produce Class-A fire-protected OSB panels 69.

As indicated at Block O in FIG. 32C, spray-coated dipped OSB sheets 69 are transported through a drying tunnel at stage 68.

As indicated at Block P in FIG. 32C, dried spray-coated/dipped OSB panels 69 are stacked, packaged and wrapped into a bundle of Class-A fire-protected OSB panels at the stacking, packaging and wrapping stage 65K.

As shown and described above, the lumber factory 65 is configured for producing Class-A fire-protected OSB sheathing 69 fabricated in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 34 shows the flame-spread and smoke-reading (development) characteristics associated with the Class-A fire-protected OSB sheathing 69 shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 and manufactured according to the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 32A and 32B, and using the factory production line shown in FIGS. 33, 33A and 33B.

Specification of Method of Making Fire-Protected Top Chord Bearing (Floor) Truss (TCBT) Structure Constructed in Accordance with the Principles of the Present Invention

FIG. 35 shows a Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing (floor) truss (TCBT) structure 70 constructed in accordance with the present invention. As will be described in greater detail herein, the method of production involves (i) producing Class-A fire-protected lumber sections, and (ii) producing heat-resistant metal truss connector plates 10′ coated with Dectan-chemical (i.e. indicating a 50% reduction in E119 Testing which reduces charring in the wood behind plate), and (iii) using these heat-resistant metal truss connector plates 10′ to secure connect together the Class-A fire-protected pieces of lumber to form a Class-A fire-protected floor truss structure 70.

The Class-A fire-protected floor truss structure 70 performs better than conventional I-joists, does not require doubling as do conventional I-joists, does not require drilling on site top pass and install plumbing pipes and electrical wiring, as do I-joists, and does not require expensive LVL rim joists, while being easier to install in wood-framed buildings. The fire-protected floor truss structure 70 of the present invention provides an innovative solution to conventional wooden floor trusses using metal nail connector plates to connect together small lumber sections which ignite easily and burn quickly in a building fire. During a building fire, conventional metal nail connector plates 10, shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, bend in the heat of a fire and release from its lumber section, causing the truss to loose all strength in a fire, as shown in FIG. 15. This places occupants at great risk trying to escape a burning wood-framed building, as well as firemen trying to extinguish a fire in a burning building before the fire reaches its critical stage.

FIG. 36 describes practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing floor trusses (TCBT) 70 in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the method comprises the steps: (a) procuring clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid 77A (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor from Newstar Chemicals); (b) filling the dipping tank 77 with water-based CFIC solution 77A; (c) filling the reservoir tank 78 of a liquid spraying system with a heat-resistant chemical liquid 78A for coating metal truss connector plates (e.g. Dectan Chemical from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri, or its distributor Newstar Chemicals of Malaysia); (d) dipping structural untreated lumber components into dipping tank 77 in a high-speed manner so as to apply a coating of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) 77A over all its surfaces, wet-stacking the treated lumber, and allowing to air-dry to produce Class-A fire-protected lumber sections 71A, 71B, 71C; (e) using an air-less liquid spraying system, or other applicator, to coat metal connector plates 10 with a heat-resistant chemical liquid (i.e. Dectan Chemical from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri) 78A and thereafter drying in air or in drying tunnel, to produce heat-resistant metal connector plates 10′ for use in connecting together the Class-A fire-protected lumber components 71A, 71B, 71C; (f) assembling the Class-A fire-protected lumber components 71A, 71B, 71C using heat-resistant metal connector plates 10′ spray-coated with Dectan chemical to make a Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing floor truss (TCBT) structure 70; and (g) stacking and packaging one or more Class-A fire-protected floor truss structures 7 using banding, strapping or other fasteners and ship to a destination site for use in constructing wood-framed buildings.

Liquid DecTan chemical is a complex mixture of a vinyl acrylic copolymer and tannic acid. Liquid DecTan chemical from Hartindo Chemical Ltd. of Malaysia has the ability to resist high heat, as it contains Hartindo's AF21 total fire inhibitor, and has proven to be an excellent heat-resistant coating for purposes of the present invention. It can be applied using spray-coating, curtain-coating, and brush-coating methods.

FIG. 37 depicts a factory 75 for making Class-A fire-protected floor trusses 70 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown, the factory 75 comprises the components, including: (a) a first stage 75A for automated dipping of untreated lumber components in a dipping tank 77 filled with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid 77A (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor from Newstar Chemicals of Malaysia) using automated dip-coating technology described hereinabove in FIG. 19A; (b) a second stage 75B for automated spraying metal connector plates 10 with DecTan chemical 78A from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri using automated spray-coating technology described hereinabove in FIG. 27B; and (c) a third stage 75C for automated or semi-automated assembly of the Class-A fire-protected lumber components 71A and 71B with the DecTan-coated heat-resistant metal connector plates 10′ using automation and controls, to form Class-A fire-protected floor trusses 70 in a high-speed, high-volume manner.

FIG. 38 shows a family of fire-protected top chord bearing floor structures 70A through 70H constructed in accordance with the present invention described above. Such examples include, for example: a bottom chord bearing on exterior frame or masonry wall 70A; a bottom chord bearing on exterior frame wall with masonry fascia wall 70B; an intermediate bearing—simple span trusses 70C; an intermediate bearing—continuous floor truss 70D; a header beam pocket—floor truss supporting header beam 70E; an intermediate bearing—floor truss supported by steel or wooden beam 70F; a top chord bearing on frame wall 70G; and a top chord bearing on masonry wall 70H. Notably, in each of these alternative top chord bearing floor truss designs, heat-resistant metal truss connector plates 10′ are used to connect sections of fire-protected CFIC-coated lumber 71 in a secure manner, and enjoy the many benefits that such Class-A fire-protective building assemblies provide over the prior art.

FIG. 39 shows a schematic table illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of AAF21-treated Class-A fire-protected floor truss structures 70A through 70H produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 35, 36 and 37, and tested in accordance with standards ASTM E84 and UL 723.

Specification of the Method of a Fire-Protected Top Chord Bearing (Roof) Truss Structure of the Present Invention

FIG. 40 shows a Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing (roof) truss structure of the present invention 80, formed using clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) coated lumber pieces 81A through 81E connected together using Dectan-coated heat-resistant metal truss connector plates 10′. This novel building construction provides an innovative solution to conventional wooden roof trusses employing conventional metal nail connector plates to connect together untreated lumber sections used to construct the truss structure which are plagued with numerous problems: (i) lumber truss sections easily igniting and quickly burning in a building fire; and (ii) conventional metal nail connector plates bending in the heat of a fire and releasing from its lumber sections, causing the truss structure to loose all strength in a fire. Such problems put occupants at great risk trying to escape a burning building, and also firemen trying to extinguish the fire before the fire reaches its critical stage.

FIG. 41 describes practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing roof trusses (TCBT) 80 in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the method comprises the steps: (a) procuring clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid 85A (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor from Newstar Chemicals); (b) filling the dipping tank 85 with water-based CFIC solution 86A; (c) filling the reservoir tank 86 of a liquid spraying system with a heat-resistant chemical liquid 86A for coating metal truss connector plates (e.g. Dectan Chemical from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri, or its distributor Newstar Chemicals of Malaysia); (d) dipping structural untreated lumber components into dipping tank 85 in a high-speed manner so as to apply a coating of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) 85A over all its surfaces, wet-stacking the treated lumber, and allowing to air-dry to produce Class-A fire-protected lumber sections 81A, 81B, 81C, 81D, and 81E; (e) using an air-less liquid spraying system, or other applicator, to coat metal connector plates 10 with a heat-resistant chemical liquid (i.e. Dectan Chemical) 8A and thereafter drying in air or in drying tunnel, to produce heat-resistant metal connector plates 10′ for use in connecting together the Class-A fire-protected lumber components 81A, 81B, 81C, 81D, and 81E; (f) assembling the Class-A fire-protected lumber components 81A, 81B, 81C, 81D, and 81E using heat-resistant metal connector plates 10′ spray-coated with Dectan chemical to make a Class-A fire-protected top chord bearing roof truss (TCBT) structure 80; and (g) stacking and packaging one or more Class-A fire-protected roof truss structures 80 using banding, strapping or other fasteners and ship to a destination site for use in constructing wood-framed buildings.

FIG. 42 depicted a factory 83 for making fire-protected top chord bearing roof trusses 80 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown, the factory 83 comprises the components, including: (a) a first stage 83A for dipping untreated lumber components in a dipping tank 85 filled with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid 85B (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor from Newstar Chemicals of Malaysia) using automated dip-coating technology described hereinabove in FIG. 19A; (b) a second stage 83B for automated spraying metal connector plates 10 with Dectan chemical 86A from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri using automated spray-coating technology described hereinabove in FIG. 27B, to produce heat-resistant metal connector plates 10′; and (c) a third stage 83C for assembling the Class-A fire-protected lumber components 81A through 81E with the heat-resistant Dectan-coated metal connector plates 10′ using automation and controls, to form fire-protected top chord bearing roof trusses 80 in a high-speed, high-volume manner.

FIGS. 43A and 43B show a family of fire-protected top chord bearing (roof) structures 80 constructed in accordance with the present invention and identified, for example, by roof top truss design names, including: kingpost 80A; double fink 80B; queen post 80C; double Howe 80D; fink 80E; hip 80F; Howe 80G; scissors 80H; fan 80I; monopitch 80J; modified queenpost 80K; cambered 80L; dual pitch 80M; inverted 80N; gambrel 80O; piggyback 80P; polyensian 80Q; studio 80R; attic 80S; cathedral 80T; bowstring 80U; sloping flat 80V; stub 80W; and flat 80X. Notably, in each of these alternative top chord bearing roof truss designs, heat-resistant metal truss connector plates 10′ are used to connect together sections of fire-protected CFIC-coated lumber sections in a secure manner, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and enjoy the many benefits that such improved assembly constructions provide over the prior art.

FIG. 44 shows a schematic table illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of AAF21-treated Class-A fire-protected roof truss structure 80A through 80X produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 41 and 42, and tested in accordance with standards ASTM E84 and UL 723.

Specification of a Method of Producing a Class-A Fire-Protected Floor Joist Structure of the Principles of the Present Invention

FIG. 45 shows a Class-A fire-protected floor joist structure of the present invention 90, formed using clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) coated lumber pieces 91A, 91B, and 93 connected together using heat-resistant Dectan-coated metal joist hanger plates 92, and providing a solution to every firefighter's worse fear (i.e. sudden floor collapses due conventional I-joists and floor trusses which can fail in fire in as little as 6 minutes). The present invention provides a novel solution to this dreaded problem by providing a Class-A fire-protected floor joist system that enables the construction of one-hour floor assemblies using one layer of drywall, available in long lengths (e.g. up to 40 feet), for spanning straight floor sections, and as providing a rim joist as well.

FIG. 46 describes the high level steps carried out when practicing the method of producing Class-A fire-protected joist structure 90 in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the method of comprises the steps: (a) procuring clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid 96A (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor from Newstar Chemicals); (b) filling the dipping tank 96 with water-based CFIC solution 96A; (c) filling the reservoir tank 98 of a liquid spraying system with a heat-resistant chemical liquid 98A (e.g. Dectan Chemical from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri or its distributor Newstar Chemicals of Malaysia) for coating metal truss connector plates; (d) dipping structural untreated lumber components 91A, 91B, 93 into dipping tank 96 in a high-speed manner so as to apply a coating of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) 96A over all its surfaces, wet-stacking the treated lumber, and allowing to air-dry to produce Class-A fire-protected lumber sections 91A′, 91B′, 93′; (e) dipping untreated structural joist lumber beams 91A′, 91B′, 93′ into the dipping tank 96 so as to apply a uniform coating of liquid clean fire inhibiting chemicals (CFIC) 96A over all its surfaces to form a CFIC-coating or membrane all over the lumber surfaces, and allowing the CFIC-coated joist lumber beams to dry to produce Class-A fire-protected lumber sections 91A, 91B, 93; and then using the air-less liquid spraying system to coat metal joist hangers with liquid Dectan chemical 98A in the reservoir tank 98, so as to produce heat-resistant Dectan-chemical coated metal joist hangers 92, for use with the Class-A fire-protected lumber components 91A, 91B and 93; (f) stacking and packaging one or more fire-protected joist lumber beams 91A, 91B, and 93 together into a bundle, using banding or other fasteners, and with the heat-resistant metal joist hangers 92, and shipping the lumber bundle and heat-resistant metal joist hangers to destination site for use in construction wood-framed buildings; and (g) assembling the Class-A fire-protected joist lumber beams 91A, 91B and 93 using the heat-resistant Dectan-chemical coated metal joist hangers 92 to make a Class-A fire-protected joist structure 47 according to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 47 depicts a factory 94 for making Class-A fire-protected joist structures 90 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown, the factory 94 comprises the components, including: (a) a first stage 94A for dipping untreated lumber components in a dipping tank 96 filled with liquid clean fire inhibiting chemicals (CFIC) 96A (e.g. Hartindo AF21 Total Fire Inhibitor from Newstar Chemicals) using automated dip-coating technology described hereinabove in FIG. 19A; (b) a second stage 94B for automated spraying metal joist hangers 92 with heat-resistant liquid Dectan chemical 98A from Hartindo Chemicatama Industri using automated spray-coating technology described hereinabove in FIG. 27B to produce heat-resistant Dectan-coated metal hanger joists 92; and (c) a third stage 94C for automated or semi-automated assembly of the Class-A fire-protected lumber components 91A, 91B together using the Dectan-coated metal joist plates 92′ using automation and controls, to form Class-A fire-protected joist structures 90 according to the present invention.

FIG. 48 shows a table illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of AAF21-treated Class-A fire-protected floor joist structure 90 produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 46 and 47, and tested in accordance with standards ASTM E84 and UL 723.

Specification of the On-Job-Site Spray-Coating Based Method of and System for Class-A Fire-Protection of All Exposed Interior Surfaces of Lumber and Sheathing Used in Wood-Framed Buildings During the Construction Phase

FIG. 49 illustrates an on-job-site spray coating of clean fire inhibiting liquid chemicals (CFIC) all over the exposed interior surfaces of raw and treated lumber and sheathing used in a completed section of a wood-framed assemblies in a wood-framed building during its construction phase.

As shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, the primary components of the air-less liquid spraying system 100 comprises: (i) an air-less liquid spray pumping subsystem 101 including a reservoir tank 101B for containing a supply of liquid CFIC chemical 101C (i.e. AAF31 from Hartindo Chemical Ltd), (ii) a hand-held liquid spray nozzle gun 103 for holding in the hand of a spray coating technician, and (iii) a sufficient length of flexible tubing 102, on a carry-reel assembly, if necessary, for carrying liquid CFIC solution from the reservoir tank 101B of the pumping subsystem 101A to the hand-held liquid spray nozzle gun 103 during spraying operations carried out in the wood-framed building construction.

In general, any commercially-grade airless liquid spraying system may be used to spray fire-protective coatings on wood-framed building construction sites, and practice the method and system of the present invention, with excellent results. Many different kinds of commercial spray coating systems may be used to practice the present invention, and each may employ an electric motor or air-compressor to drive its liquid pump. For purposes of illustration only, the following commercial spray systems are identified as follows: the Xtreme XL™ Electric Airless Spray System available from Graco, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn.; and the Binks MX412 Air-Assisted/Compressor-Driven Airless Spray System from Carlisle Fluid Technologies, of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Countless on-site locations will exist having various sizes and configurations requiring the on-job-site spray-based fire-protection method of the present invention. FIG. 51A illustrates a first job-site of multi-apartment wood-framed building under construction prepared and ready for clean fire inhibiting chemical spray coating treatment in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 51B illustrates a second job-site of multi-apartment wood-framed building under construction prepared and ready for clean fire inhibiting chemical spray coating treatment in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

The on-job-site spray method and system involves spraying a clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid on all new construction lumber and sheathing to prevent fire ignition and flame spread. The method also recommends spraying exterior walls or the exterior face of the roof, wall and floor sheathing with CFIC liquid. The method further recommends that factory-applied fire-protective lumber be used on exterior walls, and fire-protected sheathing be used on the exterior face of the roof, wall and floor sheathing, as it offers extra UV and moisture protection. As disclosed herein, there are many different options available to architects and builders to meet such requirements within the scope and spirit of the present invention disclosed herein.

In the illustrative embodiment, Hartindo AF31 Total Fire Inhibitor (from Hartindo Chemical of Jakarta, Indonesia http://hartindo.co.id, or its distributor Newstar Chemicals of Malaysia) is used as the CFIC liquid 101C to spray-deposit the CFIC surface coating onto treated wood/lumber and sheathing products inside the wood-framed building under construction. A liquid dye of a preferred color from Sun Chemical Corporation http://www.sunchemical.com can be added to Hartindo AF31 liquid to help the spray technicians visually track where CFIC liquid has been sprayed on wood surfaces during the method of treatment. The clinging agent in this CFIC liquid formulation (i.e. Hartindo AF31 liquid) enables its chemical molecules to cling to the surface of the CFIC-coated wood so that it is quick to defend and break the combustion phase of fires (i.e. interfere with the free radicals driving combustion) during construction and before drywall and sprinklers can offer any defense against fire. However, a polymer liquid binder, available from many manufacturers (e.g. BASF, Polycarb, Inc.) can be added as additional cling agent to Hartindo AF31 liquid, in a proportion of 1-10% by volume to 99-90% Hartindo AF31 liquid, so as to improve the cling factor of the CFIC liquid when being sprayed in high humidity job-site environments. Alternatively, liquid DecTan Chemical from Hartindo Chemical, which contains a mixture of vinyl acrylic copolymer and tannic acid, can be used a cling agent as well when mixed the same proportions, as well as an additional UV and moisture defense on exterior applications. These proportions can be adjusted as required to achieve the cling factor required in any given building environment where the spray coating method of the present invention is being practiced. This way, in the presence of a flame, the chemical molecules in the CFIC-coating on the surface of the fire-protected lumber, interfere with the chemical reactions involving the free radicals (H+, OH−, O−) produced during the combustion phase of a fire, and break the fire's chemical reaction and extinguish its flame. This is a primary fire suppression mechanism deployed or rather implemented by the CFIC-coatings deposited on wood surfaces in accordance with the various principles of invention, disclosed and taught herein.

Specification of Method of Producing Multi-Story Wood-Framed Buildings Having Class-A Fire-Protection and Improved Resistance Against Total Fire Destruction

FIGS. 52A, 52B and 52C, taken together, set forth a high-level for chart describing the steps carried out when practicing the method of producing multi-story wood-framed buildings having improved fire resistance rating and protection against total fire destruction. The method comprises a series of steps described below which effectively results in the coating of substantially all exposed interior wood surfaces of the raw untreated as well as fire-treated lumber and sheathing used during the construction phase of the wood-framed building, to protect and defend its wood, lumber and sheathing from ravage of fire and prevent total destruction by fire. The method recommends use of (i) the fire-protected OSB sheathing shown in FIGS. 30 through 32 and described herein for the exterior face of the roof, wall and floor sheathing, and (ii) the fire-protected lumber products shown in FIGS. 18-21, 22-25, and 26-29, and described herein for interior and exterior wall studs, trusses, sills, and other wood-frame related building structures.

The spray-coating fire-treatment process of the present invention may be carried out as follows. Spray-coating technicians (i) appear on the new construction job-site after each floor (i.e. wood-framed building section) has been constructed with wood framing and sheathing; (ii) spray liquid CFIC solution over substantially all of the exposed interior surfaces of the wood, lumber and sheathing used in the completed wood-framed building section; and then (iii) certify that each such wood-framed building section has been properly spray-coat protected with CFIC liquid chemicals in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Details of this method will be described in greater detail below in a step-by-step manner.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 52A, the first step of the method involves fire-protection spray-coating technician to receives a request from a builder to spray a clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid coating over substantially all exposed interior surfaces of the untreated and/or treated wood lumber and sheathing used to construct a completed wood-framed section of a building under construction at a particular site location. This order could come in the form of a written work order, and email message, or other form of communication, with appropriate documentation.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 52A, the second step of the method involves the fire-protection spray-coating technician (i) receiving building construction specifications from the builder, architect and/or building owner, (ii) analyzing same to determine the square footage of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid coating to be spray applied to the interior surfaces of the wood-frame building, (iii) computing the quantity of clean fire inhibiting chemical material required to do the spray job satisfactorily, and (iv) generating a price quote for the spray job and sending the quote to the builder for review and approval.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 52A, the third step of the method involves, after the builder accepts the price quote, the builder orders the clean fire-protection spray team to begin performing the on-site wood coating spray job in accordance with the building construction schedule.

As indicated at Block D in FIG. 52A, the fourth step of the method involves, after the builder completes each completed section of wood framing with wood sheathing installed, but before any wallboard has been installed, the spray technician (i) procures a supply of clean fire-protection chemicals (CFIC) liquid solution, (ii) fills the reservoir tank of an airless liquid spraying system with the supply of CFIC liquid, and (iii) then uses a spray gun to spray CFIC liquid in the reservoir tank, over all exposed interior wood surfaces of the completed section of the wood-framed building under construction. FIGS. 49 and 50 show an air-less liquid spraying system 101 for spraying CFIC liquid over all exposed interior surfaces of lumber and wood sheathing used in a completed section of the wood-framed building under construction, so as to form a Class-A fire-protective coating over such treated surfaces.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 53, the first stage of this step involves procuring water-based CFIC liquid for on-job-site spray-treatment of raw untreated and treated lumber and sheathing used inside a wood-framed building. In the preferred embodiment, Hartindo AF31 from Hartindo Chemical, Ltd. (and available from its distributor Newstar Chemical of Malaysia) is used as the CFIC liquid employed by the method of the present invention. Hartindo AF31 CFIC is an environmentally-friendly water-based, biodegradable and non-toxic solution that is non-ozone depleting and does not require cleanup procedures after usage. Hartindo AF31 CFIC is also effective for all classes of fires: involving solid, carbonadoes materials; flammable fuels, thinners, etc.; gas, electricity fires, and energy fires; and metal fire and oxidizing fires.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 53, the second stage of this step involves filling the tank of the air-less liquid spraying system 101 with the procured supply of CFIC liquid.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 53, the third stage of this step involves using the spray nozzle gun 103 of the air-less liquid spraying system 101 as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, to a spray apply a uniform coating of liquid clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid over all of the interior surfaces of the completed section of wood-framed building being spray treated during the construction phase of the building, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In the illustrative embodiment, the liquid CIFC (i.e. Hartindo AF31) is applied at a rate (i.e. coating coverage density) of about 590 square feet per gallon, although it is understood that this rate may vary from illustrative embodiment, to illustrative embodiment.

The CFIC liquid used in the present invention clings to the wood on which it is sprayed, and its molecules combine with the (H+, OH−, O−) free radicals in the presence of fire, during combustion, to eliminate this leg of the fire triangle so that fire cannot exist in the presence of such a CFIC based coating.

FIGS. 51A and 51B shows a few illustrative examples of building construction job site locations where the spray-based fire protective method of the present invention might be practiced with excellent results. It is understood that such examples are merely illustrative, and no way limiting with regard to the present invention.

As indicated at Block E in FIG. 52B, during the fifth step of the method, when the completed section of the building has been spray coated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, the completed building section is certified and marked as certified for visual inspection and insurance documentation purposes. Such marking can involving stamping a CFIC spray-coated sheath, or lumber board, with a seal or certificate using an indelible ink, with date, job ID #, sprayer #, and other information related to specific spray-coat fire-protection job that have been certified as a completed at that wood-framed building section. Preferably, the architectural plans for the building, as well as building schematics used on the job site, will have building section identification numbers or codes, which will be used on the certificate of completion stamped onto the spray-coated fire-protected sheathing and lumber on the job site.

As part of the certification process, an on-job-site spray project information sheet is maintained in an electronic database system, connected to a wireless portable data entry and record maintenance system. The on-job-site spray project information sheet would contain numerous basic information items, including, for example: Date; Customer Name; Weather Description and Temperature; Building Address; Customer Address: Customer Supervisor; Units of Part of the Building Sprayed; Sprayer Used; Spray Technician Supervisor; and Notes. Photographic and video recordings can also be made and stored in a database as part of the certification program, as will be described in greater detail below.

As indicated at Block F in FIG. 52B, during sixth step of the method, as each section of the wood-framed building is constructed according to the construction schedule, the spray coating team continues to spray coat the completed section, and certify and mark as certified each such completed spray coated section of the building under construction.

As indicated at Block G in FIG. 52B, during the seventh step of the method, when all sections of the building under construction have been completely spray coated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) materials, suppressing fire ignition and suppression by capturing free radicals (H+, OH−, O−) during the combustion phase, and certified as such, the spray technicians remove the spray equipment from the building, and the builder proceeds to the next stages of construction and completes the building construction according to architectural and building plans and specifications.

As indicated at Block H in FIG. 52B, during the eighth step of the method, the spray technician then issues a certificate of completion with respect to the application of clean fire-protection chemicals to all exposed wood surfaces on the interior of the wood-framed building during its construction phase, thereby protecting the building from risk of total destruction by fire. Preferably, the certificate of completion should bear the seal and signature of a professional engineer (PE) and the building architect who have been overseeing and inspecting the building construction project.

As indicated at Block I in FIG. 52B, during the ninth step of the method, before applying gypsum board and/or other wall board covering over the fire-protected spray-coated wood-framed building section 105, digital photographs and/or videos are captured and collected to visually show certificates of completion stamped or otherwise posted on spray-coated fire-protected sheeting and/or lumber used in the wood framing of each completed building section. Such photographs and videos will provide valuable visual evidence and job-site completion documentation, required or desired by insurance companies and/or government building departments and/or safety agencies.

As indicated at Block J in FIG. 52B, during the tenth step of the method, uploading captured digital photographs and videos collected during Block I, to a centralized web-based information server maintained by the fire-protection spray coating technician company, or its agent, as a valued-added service provided for the benefit of the builder, property owner and insurance companies involved in the building construction project.

As indicated at Block K in FIG. 52B, during the eleventh step of the method, all photographic and video records collected during Block I, and uploaded to the centralized web-based information server at Block J are automatically archived indefinitely for best practice and legal compliance purposes.

FIG. 54 shows a schematic table representation illustrating the flame spread and smoke development indices obtained through testing of on-job-site Hartindo AF31 spray-treated lumber and sheathing produced using the method of the illustrative embodiment described in FIGS. 49 through 53, in accordance with ASTM E2768-1.

Advantages and Benefits of the On-Job-Site Method of Wood-Treatment and Fire-Protection by Way of Spray Coating of CFIC Liquid over the Surface of Exposed Interior and Exterior Wood Used in Wood-Framed Buildings

The on-site spray coating method of the present invention described above involves the use of CFIC liquid having the property of clinging onto the surface of the wood to which it is applied during on-job-site spray-coating operations, and then inhibiting the ignition of a fire and its progression by interfering with the free-radicals (H+, OH−, O−) involved in the combustion phase of any fire. Hartindo AF31 liquid fire inhibitor meets these design requirements. In general, CFIC liquids that may be used to practice the on-site fire-protection method of the present invention suppresses fire by breaking free radical (H+, OH−, O−) chemical reactions occurring within the combustion phase of fire, quickly and effectively suppressing fire in a most effective manner, while satisfying strict design requirements during the construction phase of a wood-framed building construction project. At the same time, the spray-based method of wood treatment and fire-protection will not degrade the strength of the wood materials (i.e. Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and the Modulus of Rupture (MOR)) when treated with the CFIC-based liquid spray chemicals applied during the method of treatment.

The on-site wood lumber/sheathing spraying method of the present invention overcomes the many problems associated with pressure-treated fire retardant treated (FRT) lumber, namely: “acid hydrolysis” also known as “acid catalyzed dehydration” caused by FRT chemicals; significant losses in the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and impact resistance of pressure-treated wood. 

1. A method of producing Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber from an automated factory having a production line with a plurality of stages, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a reservoir tank containing a supply of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid that is supplied to a dipping tank deployed in a CFIC liquid dip-coating stage installed between (i) a lumber planing/dimensioning stage supplied by a finger-jointing stage, and (ii) an automated stacking, packaging, and wrapping stage installed at the end of said production line; (b) loading untreated short-length lumber into a controlled-drying stage so to produce suitably dried short-length lumber for supply to said finger-jointing stage; (c) supplying dried short-length lumber to said finger-jointing stage for producing pieces of extended-length finger-jointed lumber; (d) transporting produced pieces of extended-length finger-jointed lumber into said planing/dimensioning stage, so that the finger-jointed lumber is planed/dimensioned into pieces of dimensioned finger-jointed lumber; (e) automatically transporting and submerging the dimensioned finger-jointed lumber pieces through said dipping tank for sufficient coating in CFIC liquid, while being transported by a transport mechanism; and (f) automatically removing the wet dip-coated pieces of dimensioned finger-jointed lumber from said dipping tank, and stacking, packing and wrapping the dip-coated pieces together and said automated stacking, packaging, and wrapping stage so as to produce a packaged bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber.
 2. The method of claim 1, which further comprises: (g) painting the ends of each packaged bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber, using a paint containing clean fire-inhibited chemicals (CFIC), and applying trademarks to said packaged bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber.
 3. An automated lumber production factory comprising: a production line supporting a finger-jointing stage, a planing and dimensioning stage, a clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) dip-coating stage, and a stacking, packaging and wrapping stage, arranged in the named order; wherein said production line supports an automated production process including the steps of: (a) fabricating finger-jointed lumber pieces at said finger-jointing stage; (b) planing and dimensioning said finger-jointed lumber pieces at said planing and dimensioning stage; (c) after being planed and dimensioned, automatically conveying said finger-jointed lumber pieces from said planing and dimensioning stage to said CFIC dip-coating stage; (d) dip-coating said finger-jointed lumber pieces in a supply of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid contained in a dipping tank maintained at said CFIC dip-coating stage, so as to produce Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces in a high-speed manner; and (e) stacking, packaging and wrapping a bundle of said Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces.
 4. The automated lumber production factory of claim 3, wherein each said finger-jointed lumber piece is a finger-jointed lumber stud, and each said bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces is a bundle of Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber studs for use in wood-framed building construction.
 5. An automated lumber factory system for fabricating Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber products along a production line, said automated lumber factory system comprising: a finger-jointing stage for fabricating finger-jointed lumber pieces from shorter-length lumber pieces; a planing and dimensioning stage for continuously planing and dimensioning said finger-jointed lumber pieces; a CFIC dip-coating stage for dip-coating said finger-jointed lumber pieces in a supply of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid contained in a dipping tank maintained at said CFIC dip-coating stage, so as to produce Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces in a high-speed manner; a stacking, packaging and wrapping stage for automatically stacking, packaging and wrapping a bundle of said Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces; and a conveying subsystem for automatically conveying said finger-jointed lumber pieces (i) from said planing and dimensioning stage to said CFIC dip-coating stage, (ii) through said CFIC dip-coating stage, and (iii) from said CFIC dip-coating stage to said stacking, packaging, and wrapping stage.
 6. The automated lumber factory system of claim 5, wherein said conveying subsystem comprises several sets of chain-driven transport rails, spaced apart and extending from said planing and dimensioning stage towards said dipping tank, and then running inside and along the bottom of said dipping tank, and then running out of said dipping tank, towards said stacking, packing and wrapping stage.
 7. A lumber dip-coating stage for installation and operation between a planing and dimensioning stage and a stacking, packaging and wrapping stage deployed along a production line in a factory producing Class-A fire-protected lumber, said lumber dip-coating stage comprising: a supply tank containing a volume of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid for use in dip-coating finger-jointed lumber pieces so as to produce Class-A fire-protected finger-jointed lumber pieces; a dipping reservoir having a width dimension to accommodate the width of finger-jointed lumber pieces transported through said dipping reservoir while being fully immersed and submerged in CFIC liquid contained in said dipping reservoir, so as to coat said finger-jointed lumber pieces during transport through said dipping reservoir; a conveyor subsystem supporting several sets of chain-driven transport rails, extending from said planing and dimensioning stage towards said dipping reservoir, and then running inside and along said dipping reservoir, and then running out thereof towards said stacking, packing and wrapping stage; a level sensor for sensing the level of CFIC liquid in the dipping reservoir during production line operation; a liquid pump for pumping CFIC liquid from said supply tank into said dipping reservoir in response to level sensing by said level sensor, so to maintain the liquid level in said dipping reservoir during production line operation; and a controller for controlling said conveyor subsystem and said liquid pump during production line operation.
 8. The lumber dip-coating stage of claim 7, which further includes liquid heaters, circulation pumps and controls for (i) maintaining the temperature of CFIC liquid solution in said dipping reservoir, and (ii) while controlling the circulation of CFIC liquid around submerged pieces of finger-jointed lumber being transported through said dipping reservoir.
 9. The lumber dip-coating stage of claim 8, wherein said controller is programmed to control one or more CFIC liquid dip-coating parameters selected from the group consisting of (i) the temperature of CFIC liquid contained in said dipping reservoir, (ii) the level of fluid above finger-jointed lumber pieces being transported through said dipping reservoir in a submerged manner, and (iii) speed of lumber moving through said dipping reservoir, so as to control the degree of absorption of CFIC liquid within the surface fibers of said finger-jointed lumber pieces while being rapidly transported through said dipping reservoir, and allows for the rapid formation of a surface coating, or surface barrier, on the surface of each piece of CFIC liquid dipped lumber.
 10. The lumber dip-coating stage of claim 7, wherein said stacking, packaging and wrapping stage comprises equipment for automatically receiving CFIC-coated finger-jointed lumber pieces while still dripping and wet from CFIC liquid dipping operations, and stacking a predetermined number of CFIC-coated finger-jointed lumber pieces into a lumber package, and then wrapping the package of CFIC-coated finger-jointed lumber pieces with a sheet of wrapping material that covers at least the top portion and half way down each side of said lumber package, and then banding the wrapped lumber package with banding.
 11. A method of producing packaged bundles of Class-A fire-protected lumber for use in wood-framed building construction, said method comprising the steps of: (a) maintaining a dipping tank in a lumber factory, wherein said dipping tank contains a water-based clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFPC) liquid at a depth sufficient to cover pieces of raw lumber while being treated during dip-coating operations; (b) loading a bundle of untreated raw lumber into said lumber factory for Class-A fire-protection treatment; (c) drying the raw untreated lumber in said bundle to an adequate moisture content; (d) submerging dried raw untreated lumber pieces into said dipping tank, piece by piece, to coat all surfaces of the lumber pieces in CFIC liquid, and then removing the dip-coated lumber pieces from said dipping tank so to as to produce pieces of Class-A fire-protected lumber with a CFIC liquid coating; and (e) wet stacking, packaging and wrapping the Class-A fire-protected lumber pieces into a packaged bundle, while the Class-A fire-protected lumber pieces are still wet with CFIC liquid coating.
 12. The method of claim 11, which further comprises: (f) painting the edges of said packaged bundle of Class-A fire-protected lumber with a Class-A fire-protection paint containing CFIC material. 